Beautiful and fascinating old English cattle…
In 2002 David Sheppy started the pedigree Three Bridges Longhorn herd with the purchase of two in-calf heifers. These are reared as sucklers (calves left on their mothers), to grow towards maturity before being selected for future breeding, or for meat production.
David selected longhorns because: they fit well with our other enterprises (good on the permanent pasture in our standard orchards, make good mothers and calve easily), they produce a good carcass and meat quality on low input and they are a beautiful and fascinating old English cattle breed.
The herd currently includes 30 breeding cows and young heifers, 2 bulls and 20 calves. All pedigree animals are given a registered name starting with a letter for the year; in 2011 we had Leonardo, Lancelot, Lavender & Lucretia to name a few.
Longhorn beef is regularly available in the farm shop, but be quick; it doesn’t last long!
Breed Background
Longhorns are an ancient breed of English cattle. Over centuries they have been bred to produce their very recognisable “bonnet” horns. They are now classified as a “traditional” rather than “rare” breed of cattle. They are of good frame, and produce a good carcass on fairly low input, which is of great value as farming moves towards lower-input conservation-style production.
Look out for the breed at youur local agricultural show.