Archived News

10th November 2008

It has been a very busy time of late. Last week saw 13 ‘fat cattle’ going off to slaughter after more than two years on the farm.  Ten new calves arrived from a local dairy farm, and their life here is only just beginning.

There is little grass now to feed the cattle which have been grazing on the North Downs this summer, so they are returning to the farm today.

We moved 220 of our Friesian cross cattle to a farm in Farnham where they will be cared for by the local farmer.  They are 6 – 12 months old, weighing 200 – 350kg and will overwinter in barns where they will be fed haylage and silage.  The remaining 350 large cattle which weigh 350kg plus, will remain here and overwinter outside.  Whilst there is little grass they will be fed a mix of rations such as maize, bread and Trafford Gold.

Trafford Gold is a source protein, energy and digestible fibre which are produced as a result of processing wheat, for example when starch is removed from wheat during the manufacturing of sweeteners and sugar.

The Belted Galloways will remain on grass in and around Wotton.  They are slow growing animals and a breed well suited to converting poor grassland (historically the wilds of Scotland), into milk for their young and ultimately into tender, tasty meat.  During the winter we provide the Galloways with additional home produced grass-based feeds such as haylage.

Later this week Simon Trotter, a livestock agent and Amander will go over to Farnham to sort out the cattle.  They are in the same groups they have grown up in, however some will need to be sorted out according to size and weight.  

Donald is a man of routine and he ensures that the larger animals are fed each day and littered up twice a week. So if you see the feeder wagon being pulled along the road by a tractor, or out in a field, it is usually Donald who will be driving.

I am concentrating on selling the Belted Galloway beef at present.  We decided to sell two animals in November instead of one so I am busy emailing and telephoning customers.  The meat is being hung for over three weeks to allow it to tenderise and reach it's full potential. 

Delicious…Local...Fresh

We still have some beef available for collection on 28th November.  Please contact me if you would like to buy a box: 01306 731600