The Bons-Holsteins Home Bred Sale 2025 concluded this weekend with resounding success, showcasing the enduring legacy of breeder Nico Bons and his world-renowned Holstein genetics. The event, held at the family’s Dutch farm, saw enthusiastic participation from buyers across Europe, underscoring the global demand for Bons-Holsteins’ elite homebred cattle.
Sale Highlights
The auction’s star lot, #4: 50% Bons-Holsteins Koba 291 VG-89 (max), sold for an impressive €16,600 to ALH Genetics/Schep Holsteins. This 2-year-old champion, sired by Alligator and tracing back to maternal giants like EX-94 Jasper and EX-92 Integrity, epitomizes the farm’s commitment to balanced genetics and show-ring excellence. Other notable sales included:
- Lot #14: Bons-Holsteins Dikkie 213 EX-90, EX-91 MS (€8,000 to Stan Schilder)
- Lot #15: Bons-Holsteins Koba 302 (€6,600 to Jeroen Schoriels of Belgium)
- Lot #3: Bons-Holsteins Aaltje 196 VG-87 (€5,200 to Erik van den Dool)
International buyers from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands competed fiercely, reflecting the farm’s reputation for producing cattle that excel in both production and conformation.
A Testament to Nico Bons’ Vision
The sale’s success is deeply intertwined with Nico Bons’ inspiring journey, chronicled in The Bullvine’s recent feature article, From Tragedy to Triumph: The Unstoppable Journey of Holstein Legend Nico Bons. From overcoming personal adversity to building a 100% homebred program, Nico’s philosophy of “breeding for true type and family legacy” resonated throughout the event. Attendees praised the consistency of the Bons-Holsteins cow families, particularly the Koba and Ella lines, which have dominated European shows.
Buyer Reactions and Future Prospects
Melkveebedrijf Te Selle, which secured Lot #2: Ella 295 for €3,800, noted, “Bons-Holsteins’ genetics offer the perfect blend of durability and dairy strength—traits that are hard to find elsewhere.” Belgium buyers Dyn Heremans, who purchased Lot #7: Ella 286 for €6,000, highlighted the farm’s “unmatched udder quality and balanced frames.”
The sale also featured embryos and youngstock, with Lot #13: 4 Salute x Dikkie 193 embryos selling for €4,000 to Belgium’s Phille Renders, signaling confidence in future genetic potential.
A Celebration of Community
Following the auction, attendees enjoyed a lively afterparty, cementing the event’s reputation as a cornerstone of Europe’s Holstein community. Nico expressed gratitude, stating, “This sale isn’t just about transactions—it’s about sharing our passion and ensuring these genetics thrive in new herds.”
For those inspired by Nico’s journey and the sale’s success, The Bullvine’s in-depth profile offers a compelling look at the grit and vision behind Bons-Holsteins. Read the full story here.
