Breeding pedigree Beef Shorthorn - a profitable business
Pits Farm, Silverstone, Northants
120 acres grassland
39 pedigree Beef Shorthorn breeding females
30 Blue Texel ewes
Katy and Tim Coles
Transitioning from niche breed to mainstream
Breeding pedigree Beef Shorthorn has rapidly evolved from a hobby in to a profitable business delivering three different income streams for Tim and Katy Coles.
“Our story reflects Beef Shorthorn transitioning in the last 15 years from a niche breed, to becoming mainstream,” Tim explains.
“We are trading bulls to local suckler producers who are turning away from Continental breeds; they’re now thinking Beef Shorthorn.
“These commercial farmers are looking for more milk, a small to medium sized cow that can thrive on grazed grass and forage and can subsequently reduce input costs, and they are eager for quiet cattle - temperament is a big thing. They also have the back-up that their steers and any heifers not kept for breeding purposes will be in demand for Morrisons Shorthorn Beef scheme.
“We are selling all our purebreds not selected for breeding, including the steers, in Thame Mart averaging 500kg at 12 months and compared with same age Continental crosses, we can vouch that we are achieving a higher price paid by local finishers supplying the Morrisons initiative.
“Finally, we are finding a ready market for surplus heifers from fellow breeders including start up herds; we never have to advertise.”
Added together and the income generated from Beef Shorthorn is turning in profit, says Tim who helps out on neighbouring farms, whilst Katy, a ruminant nutritionist, works part time for a regional farmer buying group and is chair of the breed Society’s Central Club. “It’s essential we make the most from a relatively small grassland farm which is scheduled to enter Mid-Tier: Countryside Stewardship scheme in 2020.
The Coles Beef Shorthorn journey began back in 2005 whilst they admit to still being in their twenties. Interest sprang from Katy’s lifelong passion for the breed. “I grew up next door to a farm that had Beef Shorthorn roan cows, I really liked them and eventually agreed to invest in our first heifer. She came from the Hootens herd, followed by the next from Tamhorn, and then another from Greenley; each had a heifer.
Silson cows with six-month-old calf
“Beef Shorthorn were soon proving they were the sort of cattle we wanted to breed - they were easy to manage and easy to calve which was important to us when we both had off-farm part time jobs, and they had market demand - we could see the breed’s popularity was growing. We also wanted to develop a herd that we could come home to at nights and be proud of, one that we can put our own stamp on for the next generation.”
Tim Coles with stock bull, Sleightholme Rubus
Silson herd summary
Heifers average 460kg at 13 to 14 months
100% heifers calve at two years
Mature bodyweight target 650kg to 750kg
Entire herd calves within six weeks
Minimal, if any assistance at calving
Average 98% calves reared
Weaning eight months and 50% of dam weight
Averaging 10 calf crops
Paddock grazing March to November; breeding females maintained at Body Condition Score 3
Winter on silage and hay
Health status is also of paramount significance to the Coles, says Katy. “Apart from buying in new sires, we maintain a closed herd, it is a member of a CHeCS scheme and has Elite status being accredited for BVD, IBR and Lepto and Johne’s Level 1. Health status is amongst the most important criteria that our commercial customers ask for.”
A portion of the Silson herd
Tim adds: “To the future, our objective is to develop a herd consistent for legs, feet, milk and fleshing ability, whilst maintaining good temperament. And given the opportunity, yes, we would like to expand cow numbers confident that the current demand trend for Beef Shorthorn will continue.”
Tim and Katy Coles with Harry and Rosie
...to the next generation
Seven-year-old Harry Coles, and Rosie three years already have the farming bug. “They love being around on the farm with us and helping out with jobs that are within their safety zone, whilst Harry is keen to start showing cattle; he’s already really proud of his success in the sheep showring,” says Katy.
“In fact, we want to encourage more kids to take an interest in livestock, capture their enthusiasm and take forward the next generation, and I believe that developing activities around the showring is one way to go.
“We like to put a show team together each year and head off to the Royal Welsh, Royal Three Counties and Bucks County, primarily to promote the breed, however there’s the social aspect - we’ve made some good friends within the Society, and these shows are now our holiday. We also believe shows provide a great environment for the children to grow up in, learn new skills and have fun together.”