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We are proud to report that the pedigree Hereford beef herd at Mayridge Farm has been awarded first place in the ‘beef unit pedigree’ category at the Newbury Show.
Judged on farm earlier in the summer and presented at the show over the weekend of September 16-17, the award is a recognition of the quality of the suckler herd, established by Richard and Zoe Benyon in 2009.
Calves reared for beef using the suckler system stay with the herd and get the best start in life, feeding on their mothers’ milk. Many of the offspring from the Hereford herd have been sold as breeding stock to other pedigree and commercial farmers.
Earlier this month the herd also took away three prizes at the Alresford Show, including first place for a cow and her calf. Our bull was also awarded first place and went on to be crowned Hereford Breed Champion taking home The Shrine Perpetual Challenge Trophy & Breed Society Sash and Rosette.
The herd is an important part of the in-hand, mixed farming operation at Mayridge. The animals feed on a largely grass-based diet, managing the traditional pastures, bedding down on the straw from the arable crops and returning farm yard manure to the soils.
The herd is managed by Simon Strang. He said: “It is a testament to the fine quality of the herd and the hard work of all the farm team that they have won these latest accolades. Over the years the Herefords have been entered into many shows and have often come away with prizes. They are a lovely temperament and a pleasure to be around.”
Read more about the herd here.
