Master Breeders disperse herd

A new season is beginning at Sprucecho Farms of Moorefield. Owners Gary and Debbie Oxby have decided to leave the dairy industry after 34 years.

The Oxbys started breeding cattle in 1982 with Gary’s last 4-H calf and a cow he received as a gift from his parents upon his graduation from university.

In 1987 the couple bought the farm on Wellington Road 7 and the Sunny Spruce Master Breeder herd. By 2002, the Oxbys had attained their own Master Breeders accreditation.

A packed house of 350 buyers attended the complete herd dispersal sale on Oct. 24 at the farm. Sales of the 120- head herd averaged around $3,900 per cow.

One highlight of the dispersal sale was the auction of Lot #94. Sprucecho Reginald Glossie sold for $9,700 and is now part of the herd on a Hutterite farm located in Alberta.

Contained in the buyers catalogue distributed at the sale was a brief history of the farm compiled by the Oxbys. The couple noted that they were leaving the dairy industry a little earlier than expected but were excited to be looking for new challenges ahead. Outlined were a number of businesses, individuals and family members that over the years had contributed to the success of the farm as a Master Breeder.

The history ended with a statement by the Oxbys, which read, “We have enjoyed working with these animals every day and will miss them considerably as we begin a new chapter at Sprucecho Farms.”