First Look @ Firstlook Sale

FIRST LOOK @ FIRSTLOOK TOPS AT 11K

The First Look at Firstlook sale was the brainchild of James and Steph Doherty and their friend Tom Lomas from TLC Genetics.  James and Steph established the Firstlook herd in 2020 following the Knowlesmere dispersal and since then have rapidly developed an exceptional Holstein herd at Ivy House Farm in Shropshire. 

This special sale comprised the very best from Firstlook and TLC Genetics with guest consignments from the Drointon, Jackpot, Jones, Knowlesmere, Nobold, Riverdane, Sweetpea and Thistlerose herds included in the phenomenal catalogue.  The sale topped at 11,000gns to average over £3000 per life.

At the top end of the Firstlook & TLC consignments Firstlook TLC Black Pearl who sold for 11,000gns to the Innes family from Nairn.  Black Pearl was as close to perfect as a Holstein heifer could be, her dam was the All Britain winning junior two year old in 2021 following her win at the National Show.  Next dam was the 2018 World Dairy Expo Champion Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn EX97. 

Selling for 8,000gns to Frank Philipson from Cumbria was another top end heifer, Firstlook Jackpot Hanx Saltamaccia.  This beauty sired by Hanx P is a direct daughter of the winning Winter Milking Yearling at UK Dairy Expo, Firstlook Jackpot Sara. This amazing pedigree has five generations that have been show winners either in the UK, Switzerland or Canada!

Drointon Holsteins owned by Andrew and Debbie MacKellar from Staffordshire sold sixteen heifers from their top cow families and topped at 6,400gns for Drointon Showtime Muddled who was bought by Tartan Army syndicate in Scotland.

The Riverdane Holstein herd from Cheshire sold ten super exciting heifers and topped at 6,300gns for Riverdane WKD Sharon who was purchased by Kevin & Alison Lawrie from Ayrshire.  Sharon is sired by King Doc and bred from the 2021 Reserve All Britain Intermediate two year old winner, Riverdane Chief Sharon EX93.  Next dam is the Riverdane Brady Sharon EX96 who has been Nominated All Britian in every lactation!

Probably the best cow family in Europe for breeding wicked awesome udders must be the Goldwyn Emily line.  She has now bred two daughters that have been Champion Udder at Swiss Expo & Expo Bulle.  S Bro Doorman Esprit hit the headlines in the 2022 Expo Bulle her daughter by Ryder Red, Firstlook Ryder Esprit Red sold for 6,000gns to John Sherratt and Hope Valley Holsteins.

Tim Abbott & Mike Duckett owners of Showbox Sires in the USA consigned 30 embryos to the sale.  Two of these special packages sold for 1250gns, the first was for 5 Tentastic embryos from Duckett Parfect Holly who is a direct daughter of Have Not 8784 the famous King Doc daughter who sold for $1,925,000 in 2022.  Another attractive package of 5 embryos sold for 1250gns, this was for a flush from the 2023 All American winning Senior two year old, Mile View Shelly Of Helmcrest by a mutually agreeable sire. 

Averages
5 heifers in milk                                  £3543.75
5 In calf heifers                                   £4179.00
6 yearling heifers                                £2310.00
49 heifer calves                                   £2861.92
30 embryos                                         £1128.75

Leading Prices
Lot       Price                Purchaser

49          11000         Messrs Innes, Nairn, Invernessshire
20          8000           Messrs Phillipson, Dacre, Penrith
26          6400           Tartan Army Syndicate, Ayrshire
14          6300           Messrs Lawrie, Maybole, Ayrshire
21          6000           Messrs Sherratt, Wem, Shrewsbury
9            5400           Rory Scott, Mossblown, Ayrshire
5            4300           Enchanted Holsteins, Elswick, Preston
11          4200           Messrs Vasami, Llandysul, Dyfed
39          4100           Messrs Vasami, Llandysul, Dyfed
69          4000           Messrs Hay, Plumpton, Penrith
76          4000           Messrs Jones, Caldicot, Monmouthshire