QUALITY NOT QUANTITY PRINCIPLE FOR A TRUE FAMILY FARN LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

摘要

Like so many pedigree and commercial dairy herds in Cumbria and adjacent counties, Bankview is, in national terms, a comparatively young herd, having been established after the 2001 foot-and-mouth epidemic devastated the area. Now playing a major part in running the family's herd, Mark says it will never be one of the largest -currently standing at 90 milkers plus 146 heifers - but he sees that as no reason to lower his ambitions for both profitability and status. "Quite simply, I am looking to breed high-health cows of medium stature which will ultimately classify Excellent and produce at least 50 tonnes of milk in a lifetime," he says. Importantly, too, he wants heifers which will attract repeat buyers as heifer sales are an important part of the farm income for Mark and partner Kelly, and his parents Keith and Val. They are selling about 40 each year through Border and Lakeland Club sales in Carlisle and the market's monthly sale. Their best price to date has been 2,500gns for a heifer from their successful Carol family.