HOLSTEIN cows sold to a top of $2300 at a commercial dispersal sale at Echuca last week.
Rob and Sue Reid, of Allinga Pastoral Company at Kyabram, achieved a total clearance for their 275 Holstein and cross-bred cows and heifers, which were bred using artificial insemination and averaged $1531.
Simpson farmer Peter Fullarton paid $2300 for a spring-calved Holstein cow and also picked-up another 12 head to take back to the Western District.
Other volume buyers included Dan Barling, of Simpson, who bought 44 head and Neil Walker, of Korumburra, who bought 30.
Another 16 head went to the Gippsland region with the remainder of the herd staying within 100km of Echuca.
Elders Echuca sale coordinator, Bernie Teasdale, said 55 buyers registered for the sale, however up to 130 catalogues were sent to perspective purchasers showing "substantial" demand.
"(The sale) reflected how the job has pulled-up in the last few months as more confidence has come back into the industry," he said.
Expecting this sale to set a benchmark for upcoming dispersals, Mr Teasdale said industry confidence at the sale was linked to summer rain throughout parts of northern Victoria, which provided much needed sub-soil moisture.
However, despite the improved season and milk price outlook he said dairy farmer finances remained "reasonably" tight.
Fifty-five summer-calved cows averaged $1945 with three selling for $2100.
Up to 32 autumn-calving cows sold to a top of $1800 and averaged $1400, while about 145 spring-calving cows averaged $1680.
