The FREEFORD Herd Dispersal Sale

VENDOR’S FOREWORD
The herd was established in the early 1930’s and converted from Shorthorns to British Friesians
in the early 1950’s.
My father became the herdsman in 1948 until 1972, when I took over and continued to use the
British Friesian breeding. The Holstein sires were introduced in the mid 1980’s to great effect
and put a great foundation in the herd. The herd was converted to organic production in the
early 2000’s and this continued for 10 years.
Jayne, joined me managing the herd in 2009 and together we took the herd in another direction,
using sexed proven bulls with high type and classifi cation, including many Red and White sires.
Several cows were shown to great success. Our last achievement was to win the Best Red and
White Cow in the Staffordshire Herds competitions in 2025/26.
We have tried to breed medium sized cows, with good capacity to graze large amounts of
forage. As you will see, all our cows graze on a paddock grazing system and are used to
walking, we want cows that are pleasing on the eye, but most of all are profi table.
Surplus cattle have been sold in Market Drayton and have always attracted interest from repeat
buyers, who say they really perform well on their systems.
Jayne and I look forward to seeing you all on the 22nd May and know you will be pleased with
your purchases.
Dennis Gilbert
HERD HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
1. Herd Mark:166334
2. Holding Number: 37/098/0018
3. Last TB test: 04-05-26
4. Vaccinated for IBR (April), Lepto (Due May)
5. BVD Tag and Test Free
6. Monitored for Johnes under milk contract.
7. The milking herd is cubicle housed
8. The herd is milked through a Herringbone Parlour
9. The herd is grazed during the grazing season
10. Winter diet – Grass and Maize silage with concentrates in the parlour
11. Dry cow therapy: Cepravin/Orbeseal
MILK RECORDS
Herd Average: 8516 kgs 4.46 %F 3.32 %P c120