Herd
Beckhithe have a suckler herd of more than 1000 cows,
mostly Black Limousin which are bred with pedigree
Aberdeen Angus bulls, providing easier calving, quiet
temperiment and quality of beef for which the breed
is renowned.

The cows are grouped into batches of 45 and are turned out
from 1st April. Following detailed analysis of previous year’s
data the calving programme has been changed. The cows
calve from late April to September. This aligns with nature and
grass growth, and as a result calf losses are minimised.

Breeding
The farm's 31 Angus Bulls are introduced on the 15th July.
Herd fertility is monitored very closely and Beckhithe have
introduced a breeding programme which utilises their best
heifers as breeding heifer replacements.

Heifers and the 200 best cows are artificially inseminated by
the farm staff using easy calving Aberdeen-Angus bulls from
the Genus range including Australian national champion,
Dylemma Radar, and two highly rated US sires,
Rockin D Ambush and Triple Band.

Cows and retained heifers are scanned by Beckhithe's own
staff. Conception rates are high 87% for Bulls and 65% for
artificial insemination.

Calves are weaned at 5 to 6 months. Prior to weaning calves
are creep fed to develop the rumen, and vaccinated for
pneumonia. Every effort is made to minimise the stress of
weaning.

Winter Housing
Cattle are housed from November to April. Beckhithe has
42 yards all designed specifically for the type of animals they
house. Cattle are strawed daily, with the farm using some
3000 tonnes of straw during the winter period. Woodchip
in some outdoor yards is being experimented. The farm
have a 20m3 Keenan feed wagon. The quantity of food
fed daily is in excess of 50 tonnes.

Health
Beckhithe have implemented a Herd Health plan. In addition to
this the vet visits the livestock team on a monthly basis and
makes proactive recommendations on herd health and
fertility matters.

Losses of animals to 12 months of age was 7.6% for the
year 2006, this is below the national average.

Beckhithe are a member of the EFSIS / FABBL Farm Assured
Beef & Lamb Scheme. Annual independent inspections are
carried out to ensure that all current legislation, codes of
practice and strict scheme standards are met.

Lee Brister of Beckhithe Farms artificially inseminating cows

The stockmen travel some 45 miles each day around
the marshes right to left Stuart Hannant, Lee Brister
and James Fisher
Tel: 01493 701550 — Fax 01493 701588
e-mail gary@beckhithefarms.co.uk — www.beckhithefarms.co.uk