The weather was kind and the hospitality exceptional for our National Herd Competition Open Day 2024. 90 members, guests and agricultural students ventured to Cefyngwyn Hall to visit Charles Grisedale’s wonderful herd of South Devon Cattle. The message was simple from Charles, grass-fed, happy animals are what he is looking to produce.
Charles showed us around his idyllic farm starting with a group of young stock who were quietly grazing around the tractors and trailers filled with visitors. The stock was consistent with good feet and a wonderful top line, it really was a treat to see. We then looked at two groups of cows and calves, Charles splits the fields with one for heifers and one for bull calves. Again, the guests were impressed by Charles’ animals and his clear eye for detail. Throughout the farm walk Charles referred to a small diary, clearly where hours were spent jotting down cows’ characteristics, breeding and weights.
The cattle share the space with a duck shoot and a flock of sheep. There was also much discussion about the large fence surrounding the boundary of the farm, some wondered if it was to keep deer out, others pondered if it could be so the ducks could not escape, the answer is much simpler. The large boundary fence is all part of Charles’ lapwing conservation work. The fence keeps out predators such as foxes and badgers so that lapwings can flourish on the farm. Charles has also noticed that since the fence was introduced many other red listed animals have begun to flourish.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and the hospitality shown was exceptional. We now look forward to welcoming you all to the Show and Sale on the 1st October at Worcester Livestock Market.