Kept on severely disadvantaged land within the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, this small select prize winning herd are proving to be hardy, whilst offering all the qualities one would expect from this very versatile continental breed.
The herd was established in 1985 with the purchase of Stuartslaw Nation at the February Perth Bull sales. Nation was the son of the Swiss cow Alplerin who had just won the 1984 Dam group award at the Royal Show. Alplerin also produced Stuartslaw Joseph and that most famous Simmental show cow - Stuartslaw Melody.
Herd Selection Criteria
Selection is entirely based on the consistency of producing profitable beef.
Fertility :- A cow must produce a calf every 12 months in a tight 9 week calving
period.
Calving Ease :- Heifers and Cows to calve unassisted and have natural mothering
instincts.
Lactation :- To provide enough milk to rear a calf to a good weaning weight on limited
creep feed
Growth Rate:- Calves to have a high and consistent growth rate, relative to feeding
regimes.
Conformation:- Yearling bulls are expected to fall into the U4L carcase classification.
Temperament :- Poorly behaved animals are quickly culled from the herd
Locomotion :- Breeding animals must be correct in their structure and movement.
Health :- A high health status is maintained within the herd.
