CROSS HIGHLAND CATTLE
Adrian Wheelwright, Longley Farm, Dunphail, by Forres,
Morayshire runs 130 Highland cows, crossing 90% of his
herd with the Whitebred Shorthorn bull to produce the
Cross Highlander.
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| Hill grazing
at Longley Farm |
The Cross Highland cow has the inherent hardiness of the
pure Highlander, plus that vital ingredient "hybrid
vigour". She has the milk to rear the continental
calf with the high beefing potential demanded by today's
market and retains the ability to convert poor hill grazings
into quality beef carcasses.
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| Cross
Highland Cow and Continental calf |
Adrian says:" we are all going to face a
new ball game from January 1, 2005 and we are out
to prove that our first and second cross cows will
improve cost efficiency resulting in financial
success. Beef farmers have got to get away from
the long-held belief that big is beautiful. It's
not - especially when it comes to cost. A smaller
cow will do the job better when there is no subsidy
to rely on".
He added: "We are producing Whitebred Shorthorn
cross Highland cows at 440kgs with a three-month-old
calf weighing 140kgs. By the time it is weaned
the calf is over three-quarters of the mother's
own bodyweight which in anyone's book is highly
efficient production."
A brief history
of Adrian's experiences with the cross highlander>>
Adrian Wheelwright represents the Whitebred Shorthorn
Association on the National
Beef Association Pedigree Breeders Committee.
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