International Intrigue Sale Leaves Dairy Industry Star Stuck
The International Intrigue Sale took place on July 2, 2025, at Butlerview Farm in Chebanse, IL, where 173 lots graced the ring. Auctioneers Adam Fraley and Pierre Boulet struck off 171 of those lots for a grand total of $4,307,350. That means an average of $25,189 per lot!
At the conclusion of the sale order, an unexpected announcement created a buzz! Butlerview and Blondin had received a significant offer for their show cow, Olortine Avenger Design VG-89-CAN. After conferring, the Butlers and Blondin decided to put her up for public auction, seeing it only fair that everyone has a chance to own her.
Olortine Avenger Design VG-89-CAN was paraded around the ring by Brian Carscadden as Adam Fraley opened the bidding. A bid of $1 million was quickly placed. Fraley asked for $1.1 million, but with no further bids, the gavel dropped at $1 million, and Design was sold to Genosource of Blairstown, IA.
Design is now a household name in the Holstein breed, and her story is built on far more than her million-dollar price tag. She was crowned Intermediate Champion at the 2024 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and was recently named Grand Champion at the Western Spring Show.
Other sale highlights included:
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Jacobs Lambda Baz, who sold for $320,000 to Elmvue & Showbox Sires.
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Walnutlawn Bullseye Sadie-ET, the third highest seller, brought $162,500 along with a package of transfers and pregnancies. She was purchased by T&L Cattle Company.
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Karnation Video Melisandre, a Jersey who wowed the crowd and was Nominated All American Senior 2-Year-Old in 2024, sold for $120,000 to Jim & Valerie Spreng and Jay Ackley.
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Famipage Legend Barnabas also sold for $120,000 and was purchased by Ron Grandy.
It was a historic day, with 13 lots selling for over $50,000, and Design entering the record books. She now joins million-dollar cows like S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET, Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, Allendairy Glamourous Ivy, KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET, and G-Metcalf Valiant Mist-ET.
Congratulations to all involved!