Central Club herd visit to Stanford Park
In late May, together with members of the Southern, Northern and Welsh Clubs, the Central Club travelled to Stanford Park for our spring herd visit.
Our Stanford Park hosts, from left Tina Russell, Hayley and Mark Stoneham and Simon Farmer
Whilst waiting to ensure all had arrived, members were able to have a look around the amazing newly built sheds and handling set up. The eagle-eyed members among us also caught sight of the show team who were in for show preparation – enough to make us all think twice about those we’d picked out from our own herd!
We had a very informative introduction to the herd from Simon Farmer and Mark Stoneham, who together with his wife Hayley owns the herd, after which we split into groups to tour the herd. Our first stop was the young bulls, safe to say that we could all pick one we’d like to take home.
Cows were split in bull calf and heifer calf groups for our viewing, and it was lovely to see such a uniform bunch. The yearling heifers patiently waited for us to have a good look around them; a great opportunity to study breeding alongside the animals. Our final stop was to the stock bulls who had to wait a few more days before they were set to work.
Looking round the cattle at Stanford Park
It was great to be able to view bulls and progeny all in the same day. Along with hearing the merits of each bull, our group was told the reasoning behind the use of each bull.
On route back to the yard I think it’s safe to say that all members took the opportunity to see Kassam of Longfield, who has had rather a successful showing season this year.
Once all the stock had been viewed, we returned to the yard where we were greeted with an amazing spread courtesy of Hayley and Mark.
It was fantastic to see so many members from all the clubs turn out for our spring visit – a great opportunity to catch up with goings on from around the country. A huge thank you to Mark and Hayley Stoneham, and Simon and Tina, for all the effort and work you put into a great day.