The Farm

John and Ruth run the family farming enterprise alongside Katie, Rachael and son in law Richard. Our pedigree Limousin herd of cattle provides the main stay of our beef enterprise, alongside a commercial herd of Limousin X cattle, producing top quality beef allowed to grow naturally grazing in the fields throughout the summer months (April-October) and through the winter months the cattle are housed in purpose built sheds and fed on Silage made from the farm and a nutritious feed calculated to ensure the beef is of highest quality and succulent flavour. Clean straw beds are provided for the cattle and the highest animal welfare structures are in place.

The farm is managed in a traditional manner, the farm manure is recycled and spread back on the land throughout winter to provide the next seasons crop. Which are the tasks undertaken by Richard alongside the day to day upkeep of the cattle. Summer months he cultivates the land and gathers the winter fodder which is stored in bales ready for feeding throughout the winter months.

Spring time sees the pedigree herd calving all the family play their part in regular monitoring of the herd during this time. Full traceability of the cattle is available at all times. A stock bull is kept alongside the females and to improve breeding lines artificial insemination is used. As the pedigree calves are born each one is named and registered with the British Limousin Society under the prefix of the Barkisland Herd.