Frederick, MD.--  The Mid Atlantic Brown Swiss calf sale celebrated it’s 36^th year on April 17, 2010 with 35 quality Brown Swiss calves going through the sale ring for an average of $1872.  The sale is managed by the Maryland Brown Swiss Association and despite the economic times, still believes it was another successful event in the history of their sales.  “The calf sale held its own, and the demand is there for Brown Swiss,” said Dennis Smith, one of the sale managers.  “We approach this sale every year with the same energy and enthusiasm we always do, and we do the best job possible,” said Cindy Warner, sale manager.  “We knew this year would be a little more challenging,” said Warner.  This popular sale continues to produce show quality animals that are in the Bell ringer program, as well as All American nominations and winners.

Topping the sale at $7200 was an exceptional, high-level offering from the popular GS Ensign Tootie, “2E-94”.  A tall, fancy, stylish September ’09 Denver a lot of attention—a packed pedigree with a heifer to match!  Bidding on this heifer was active, and came down to two bidders at the end.  Shen Val Denver Tango ET will make her new home in Kentucky, and was purchased by Shen Val and Rad-ical Genetics, the McDonalds and the Rucks families, Stephens City, VA. and Okeechobee, FL.  The contending bidder was Rajean Mathys, Manitoba, Canada by phone.  This special

September ’09 Denver was the consignment of Cindy Warner, Round Hill Acres, Frederick, MD.

The second high seller of the day was another fancy and well grown September ’09 Shen Val OMF Leg Tray (Legacy x Tootie), out of Old Mill JP Grace ET “E92”.  Grace and her maternal side have lists of show credentials a mile long- so this heifer should follow family tradition.  Old Mill Tray Gilberta ET sold for $4500 to Nicole Hood, Middletown, MD. and was the consignment of Lorraine Bassler, Rectortown, VA.  The contenders on this special calf were Tom and Bonnie Remsberg, Middletown, MD.

The third high selling calf was a long, straight-lined dairy calf with a tremendous pedigree.  This June ’09 calf was sired by Top Acres Blue Chip, and out of the breed great, Bo Joy Ensign Gredel “5E94”, and was a multiple All American nomination with several Reserve All American placings.  Top Acres M Chip Gabriel ET had twelve maternal sisters listed with classifications between VG-88 and EX-92, and most were EX-90 to EX-92 in the mammary system.  This heifer was the consignment of Jeff Wolfe, New Oxford, PA., and sold for $4000 to Eric, Faith, and Erin Burall, New Windsor, MD.  Contending bidders on this heifer was Scott Hood and Dave Eigenbrode, Middletown, MD.

The fourth high seller was a special March ’10 calf, Miss PK Legacy Sydney.  She was sired by Legacy, and out of the famous Shania family. Her dam is Terra Rose Shania “2E91”, and the granddam is the show winning, Kulp Gen Starbuck Shania, “3E94”.  Miss Sydney sold for $2800 and was the consignment of Jenna Smith, Martinsburg, PA. and she makes her new home in St. Thomas, PA. for Hannah Smith.

Also selling for $2800 was Lost Elm Andre Timeless, a really nice December ’09 calf out of Old Mill JP Tallulah “E90”, and the granddam is the infamous Snickerdoodle “3E94” with a 97 mammary.  This calf was the consignment of Modern Associates, St. Paris, OH. and she was purchased by Jarrett Remsberg, Middletown, MD. 

And finishing up in the top five was another special March ’10 calf, Dublin Hills Presley. She sold for $2550 to Bob and Mandy Schroeder, Claysville, PA. and was the consignment of Dennis and Robin Smith, Dublin Hills Farm, Woodsboro, MD.

Another successful part of the sale is the offering of embryo packages featuring genetics from breed leading cow families.  There were eight embryo packages with some consisting of three, four, or five embryos.  The high selling pack consisting of (4) Agendas out of Dublin Hills Sasha, “2E92”, sold for $460 each and went to Jeff True, Perry, NY.  They were consigned by Dennis and Robin Smith, Woodsboro, MD.

All calves sold are automatically entered into the Mid Atlantic Brown Swiss Futurity with the first payment made by the Maryland Brown Swiss Association.  The 17^th annual Futurity will be held at the Maryland State show on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at the Frederick Fairgrounds, Frederick, MD. with Jake Hushon, WI. doing the judging.  This is a change from the Maryland State fair held in September.  All breeders are welcome to participate in this Maryland State show, and the futurity.  News releases with invitations to surrounding states will be sent soon to breeders and associations.  This show has a reputation of quality animals, and some have referred to it as a “Little All American” as the top animals go on to do well in the fall shows.  So please look for information on this special, qualifying show on Saturday July 31, 2010.

The auctioneer for the sale was Denny Remsburg, while Wayne Sliker read pedigrees.  Brown Swiss members and junior members werer instrumental in helping in the barn, and on sale day.  The animals were very well prepared by Cory Thompson, and Darin Sentelle, and Jason Zimmerman.  Ringmen this year were Bobby valentine, and Brian Garrison.  It was a great team effort with help from members and families in the Maryland Brown Swiss association.   

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