84
Lakemead Pinacle
he Lakemead herd began in 1961 with 35 black and white cows in tie stalls and milked through a four place abreast parlour. As more home built cubicle accommodation was added so the herd expanded.
T
Shortly after four pedigree heifer calves were purchased from the Rurik herd and the Lakemead prefix was registered with the British Friesian Cattle Society. Many cattle in Somerset had changed from Shorthorn to Ayrshire but, in discussion with the late H Dare of R B Taylor and Son, British Friesians were decided upon. The long process of grading-up began, topped up by purchases of pedigree animals. The Somerset British Friesian Club provided many opportunities to visit longer established herds and make valuable contacts with breeders.
Early purchases were made from Taw Valley, Harepie, and numerous from the Yanley dispersal. DIY AI brought further opportunities for bull selection
Lakemead Rancher
and bulls such as Wraxcourt Bounty, Leighton Workboy, Crewilpool Emperor 2, Burgate Benedict and Foxhole Panatella all added milk and left a legacy of longevity in the herd. The decision to start the
Yeo Valley yogurt company eventually led to further expansion of farm and cow numbers.
The introduction of separate classification for British Friesians was a turning point and thoughts turned to breeding bulls for use in the herd, eventually selling into AI. Foundation, Prancer, Rancher and Marshside Rocket 3 and his sons, Lakemead Randolf and Pinnacle have been the most influential.
Proven bulls currently in use are Catlane Chad, Deangate Quentin, Skyhigh Lord, Langley Balmoral and Centrello, Lakemead Marshall and Jasper. Young bulls include Lakemead Appeal, Jingle, Sebastian and Winner, as well as Trumpet Topgun.
Having expanded the farm
over the years, cows are now divided into two units with a separate unit for all young stock, with the two herds recorded as one. Naturally, milk is sold to Yeo Valley while male calves are sold on for rearing as steers off grass and beef crosses are sold on for finishing.
Farmed organically since 2008, rations are based around grazing, with whole-crop wheat grown in rotation with grass/red clover for silages and oats for crimping.
Miscanthus heats the Yeo
Valley office complex and half an acre of roof mounted PV cells provide solar power to cover all the extensive needs of Holt Farms Ltd.
Lakemead Randolf
Lakemead Winner
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