Livestock

We run a small herd of suckler beef cows on the farm. The genetics of the herd originate from two pedigree Lincoln Red cows that were purchased in 2003. Over the years the female calves have been retained for breeding and the steers (male calves) have been fattened and sold to local butchers.

At present there are four cows running with a neighbours pedigree Limousin Bull which will hopefully produce four strong calves next spring. The youngstock that are not required for breeding are now sold on to a fattening unit that supplies Waitrose.

The cattle act as good lawnmowers of the grassland that was sown in 2001 when we were entered into a ten year environmental scheme. As part of that agreement the stocking density has to be below one cow to the hectare, and the stock must be removed between the 30th October and the 1st of April to avoid paddling the land, and to encourage lapwing to nest.

During the winter the cattle are housed inside on straw bedding in a well ventilated building to try and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. The cows are fed on hay and straw which is sometimes supplemented by chopped up sugarbeet depending on their body condition. It is important that the cows are not too fat prior to calving as this can cause problems.

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