Small Herd Competition Winners – High Weald, Sarah Hodson
It was a pleasure to welcome the judges to Higham Farm. We have had Sussex cows on the farm since the 1980’s when we bought a few from a neighbour and we have been farming organically for 25 years, certified by the Soil Association. We have a closed herd, apart from buying in a bull every three years, and have been concentrating on developing a polled herd and now have quite a few homozygous polled cows. The cows and young stock stay out at grass for as long as possible and are fed home grown hay when they come in. The young stock is finished off grass and hay at 19-28 months.
Mr B Peters & Mr M G Hickman (Small Herd Judging):
This genuine organic herd is a great credit to their owner. Coping extremely well in challenging circumstances this year. The cows had a wonderful even crop of calves at foot, well grown without any supplementary feeding. The young stock were forward in condition. We are delighted to place this herd first in competition.
Keith Jempson (Overall Judge):
Here was a nice selection of organic, polled cattle, again doing well under this summer’s harsh conditions.
This herd does not rear any bull calves currently but sells them off as steers as fat or store through the ABP system. They keep some heifers as replacements for the herd.
A very nice herd and on a low input system.
