COMMERCIAL dairy cows sold to a top of $2550 at Cobram last week, with buyers prepared to pay up to $200 more to secure animals with herd-test figures.
The bulk of the 281-head sale - comprising 150 Holsteins and some Holstein-cross cattle - were spring calving, extended-lactation cows offered by GA and FJ Rourke, of Muckatah, as part of their complete herd dispersal.
These cows averaged $1387, with the highest prices paid for the first 40 lots, while unjoined heifers and poddy calves averaged $1035.
Up to 57 bidders registered for the sale and the 25 successful buyers were all from within 100km of Cobram with the exception of one from NSW.
Elders dairy specialist Bernie Teasdale said the local interest reflected the good season in northern Victoria.
He said the sale provided a "good lesson" for prospective vendors. The difference in prices between the Rourke cattle with herd-test figures included in the sale catalogue and those without was up to a "couple of hundred" dollars, according to Mr Teasdale.
"There's definitely a premium. (Herd-test figures) provide a bit more a surety," he said.
"If you are paying $1400-$2500 you are wanting some information to back that judgment."
Wiffen Farms of Tongala picked up eight head, including the top-priced cow which calved in July.
Other major buyers included Ray Davis of Browns Creek, near Blayney in NSW.
He picked up 33 head to a top of $2500, while B&S McGorlick of Wunghnu bought 19 head to a top of $1450.
Meanwhile, Landmark Leongatha sold 80 Jersey, Jersey-Aussie Red and Jersey-Holstein cows to a top of $2050 and an average of $1180.
There were 28 cows that made $1300 or more.
Other entries included 10 Holsteins from A&S Bright, of Meeniyan, which sold from $1250 to $1900.
