Famous Farm Sells Last of its Prized Holsteins

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A Vermont farm considered by some to be the "Mercedes" of the cattle world has sold the last of its famous Holsteins.

Lylehaven Farm in East Montpelier held a final auction Friday. The farm is also for sale.

Jerry Rappaport, 87, a Boston philanthropist and real estate developer, is getting out of the business of cattle breeding after more than 30 years.

"I got fascinated with the idea of breeding the perfect cow," Rappaport told NECN.

Nearly a decade ago, Lylehaven sold a cow for more than $1 million.

On Friday, the cows went for several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

"They're good quality cows," said Adolf Langhout, who came from the Netherlands to attend the auction. "Lylehaven is recognized in breeding as like a Mercedes or Audi."

 

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