SIMMENTALS THRIVING
‘IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS’ ON SUFFOLK COASTAL MARSHES It is a commonly held belief that Continental cattle require a little extra “TLC” to perform to their best. However, East Anglian-based herdsman Stephen Brett is proving this wrong with the Theberton Simmental herd of Justin and Emma Dowley, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk.
B
well this Continental breed thrives. “The herd grazes on coastal marshes, many of which are in environmental schemes or under other restrictions managed by RSPB,” he explains.
Keeping the 95-cow herd of Simmentals he manages outside all year round in some pretty challenging conditions, he says he’s continually impressed how
“As a result, we need a cow which can thrive on this sort of ground and the mediocre forage it can produce. Simmental cows suit our system well, being great mothers, docile and milky.”
ased at Eastbridge, Suffolk, Stephen runs the Theberton pedigree herd on behalf of Justin and Emma Dowley and works largely on his own, apart from a little help from his wife Rosie, to manage the herd and followers, totalling about 220 head at any one time.
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www.britishsimmental.co.uk
