Shakeshaft Family to Auction Off Esteemed Dairy Herd at Shrewsbury
Sourse: dairynews.today
The Shakeshaft family of Whattall Farm is set to sell off a substantial part of its Dilandy Holstein Herd as they close the chapter on their current farming operation.
D. & A. C. Shakeshaft of Whattall Farm, Ellesmere, has announced a significant auction event at the Shrewsbury Auction Centre scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. With the tenancy of their nearly 300-acre Whattall Farm ending, the family plans to sell 60 in-milk and eight dry cows, 80 in-calf and served heifers, 40 maiden heifers and 20 heifer calves. However, they will retain 80 youngstock to transition to a smaller venture focusing on pedigree Herefords and Beef Shorthorns at English Frankton.
The Dilandy Holstein Herd, known for its high-quality breeding, has been Bluetongue vaccinated, allowing sales to Welsh holdings. The herd features an average milk production of 11,466kg with 4.40% butterfat and 3.45% protein, showcasing its outstanding performance at the Shrewsbury Auction Centre’s dairy shows under the stewardship of Andrew and Helen Shakeshaft.
This transition follows a legacy of dairy farming that began with Andrew’s late grandfather Hughie Edwards in 1929. Andrew reflects, "I have enjoyed dairy farming very much for the past 40 years but nothing lasts forever," expressing excitement for focusing on a less demanding beef herd and exploring new farming opportunities.
Standout in the herd was Dilandy Debonair Tabitha Red, which became an interbreed champion at The Royal Highland Show under Andrew's co-breeding with Bryan Challenor of Worldwide Sires. "Logan Holsteins have had a lot of success with the breed and it started here with Bryan and me," Andrew stated.
Shrewsbury Auction Centre manager Jonny Dymond heralds the upcoming dispersal sale as a rare opportunity to acquire top-tier cattle from a highly respected herd. "This is highly respected and extremely well-bred herd and it has been a privilege to sell cattle for the Shakeshaft family," he commented.
The Dilandy Holstein Herd, known for its high-quality breeding, has been Bluetongue vaccinated, allowing sales to Welsh holdings. The herd features an average milk production of 11,466kg with 4.40% butterfat and 3.45% protein, showcasing its outstanding performance at the Shrewsbury Auction Centre’s dairy shows under the stewardship of Andrew and Helen Shakeshaft.
This transition follows a legacy of dairy farming that began with Andrew’s late grandfather Hughie Edwards in 1929. Andrew reflects, "I have enjoyed dairy farming very much for the past 40 years but nothing lasts forever," expressing excitement for focusing on a less demanding beef herd and exploring new farming opportunities.
Standout in the herd was Dilandy Debonair Tabitha Red, which became an interbreed champion at The Royal Highland Show under Andrew's co-breeding with Bryan Challenor of Worldwide Sires. "Logan Holsteins have had a lot of success with the breed and it started here with Bryan and me," Andrew stated.
Shrewsbury Auction Centre manager Jonny Dymond heralds the upcoming dispersal sale as a rare opportunity to acquire top-tier cattle from a highly respected herd. "This is highly respected and extremely well-bred herd and it has been a privilege to sell cattle for the Shakeshaft family," he commented.
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