Sheepdrove Beef Shorthorns
Contact: farm@timm462.sg-host.com
Farm Manager: Simon Bradley Farmer
Tel: 07739035667
Farm Office: Tina Russell
Tel: 07711810354
Sheepdrove Beef Shorthorns
Our Berkshire-based Sheepdrove Organic herd of Beef Shorthorns was re-established in the Spring of 2025. Built on established, long-standing Beef Shorthorn bloodlines, from Stanfordpark, Longfield, Coxhill and Meonside Herds. Combining new genetics from leading herds in North America, Canada and Australia. Together, these bloodlines produce us a moderate size female with all the maternal traits the Beef Shorthorn is famous for. Breed type, health, structure and fertility are of upmost importance to us. Dovetailed with milk and organic forage feed conversion for great daily live weight gain. Our approach results in a successful Store trade and outstanding breeding bulls, alongside the strong maternal traits of female families to provide herd replacements.
A fantastic maternal breed for both pedigree breeders, organic and commercial farms
Females
If you are searching for a functional suckler cow, then the native Beef Shorthorn provides a tried and tested solution. The benefits are clear – introducing Beef Shorthorn genetics to your suckler herd will deliver calving ease (minimising complications during birth), docility, milkiness and fertility together with hardiness and feed efficiency. If you’re looking at a low input, low-cost system the Beef Shorthorn is among the top contenders for consideration. The Beef Shorthorn cow makes the breeding process smoother and less risky for both the cow and calf.
Our females’ maternal strengths make them excellent for suckler herds and crossbreeding. Beef Shorthorn cows are known for their strong maternal instincts, which contributes to the health and well-being of their calves. These instincts ensure that the cows are attentive to their young, reducing the need for constant supervision.
When we set up our female herd, we were looking for proven breeding behind the females. Our first group of heifers and cows came from Stanfordpark herd in Oxfordshire. Amongst these females were well recognised families which have created the great foundation of our Sheepdrove herd.
Within the Beef Shorthorn Society there are special protected female families that can only be used in their pedigree name if they derive from that family. Here at Sheepdrove we have selected our female lines very carefully and amongst them are lots of protected names including, Blythsome, Crocus, Lavender, Lovely, Flower, Foggarthorpe, Lavender, Lovely, Matchless, Princess, Ramsden, Rose, Rothes Queen, Secret, Tessa, Wimple and Waterloo. Other successful families are Carnation Rouge and Wheat, although not protected, they have bred extremely well.
Males are noted for growth, food conversion, ease of fleshing, fertility & progeny calving ease
Males
The Beef Shorthorn is renowned for its fast growth rate and high-quality beef. This type of Shorthorn is specifically bred for its muscular build and marbling ability, making it a popular choice among beef producers. Beef Shorthorns are known for their hardiness and efficiency in converting feed into high-quality meat.
Stock Sires
Given our diverse genetics we require several pedigree stock bulls to compliment the types of cows we run at Sheepdrove. When selecting our stock sires we look very closely at parentage, classification of the dam, performance recorded figures, unique genetics, polling, myostatin and solid phenotype.
Genetics
Here at Sheepdrove Organic Farm, we use a combination of historic and new genetics. These are pulled from carefully selected, diverse bloodlines in the UK, North America, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Our aim is to provide a selection of breeding cattle to suit commercial and pedigree breeders both in terminal and maternal lines.
As a result of our wide genetic base, we can provide a nucleus of females with a totally unrelated bull to anyone wishing to set up or expand their existing herd. You can feel confident that you can return to us in 2-3 years when your bull is coming back on his daughters and select a new stock sire with totally different genetics to move your herd forward.
We achieve this by:
- Running 5 stock sires on farm at any one time
- Regularly introducing, home bred, junior stock bulls to expand a new generation of blood lines
- Use of Artificial Insemination through natural heat detection.
- Performance Recording data to assist selection
Why the Beef Shorthorn
- The Shorthorn breed has a rich history that dates back to the northeastern counties of England. Developed by influential figures such as Robert Bakewell and the Colling brothers, this breed has become renowned for its versatility and robustness.
- The origin of Shorthorn Cattle is deeply rooted in agricultural history, with their development focusing on both beef and milk production. This dual-purpose characteristic has made them a valuable asset to farmers.
- Beef Shorthorn come in three colours, red, white and roan. Red cattle may be solid red or have white markings, and they can be horned or polled. They are bigger than their dairy counterparts and are grown specifically for their beef. Solid red Shorthorn are often used to help maintain solid colours in crosses.
Docility and Handling Ease
- Shorthorn cattle are noted for their calm nature, which makes them easy to handle, even for less experienced handlers. This docility is a result of selective breeding that has prioritized temperament alongside other desirable traits.
- The ease of handling Shorthorn cattle translates into several practical benefits, including reduced stress for both the animals and the handlers. This calm demeanour is particularly valuable in a farm setting, where safety and efficiency are paramount.
Adaptability to Various Environments
- Shorthorn cattle are adaptable to a wide range of environments, from organic grasslands to more intensive farming systems. This adaptabilitymakes them suitable for different climates and management practices.
- Their ability to thrive in various conditions is a testament to their robust nature and the result of careful breeding practices that have enhanced their resilience.
- Our revenue streams come in from sales of breeding pedigree heifers, young Store cattle, organically reared Boxed Beef and pedigree breeding bulls all from a low input Organic system. The question is why notBeef Shorthorn?
Beef Shorthorns thriving on an organic system
Here at Sheepdrove Organic Farm we are 750ft above sea level on the North Wessex Downs, farming on chalk downland with scrub, dew ponds and woodlands. This means that, in theory our Beef Shorthorns could remain outside all year round. But our Beef Shorthorns are part of an extensive environmental system, working in harmony with flora and fauna on the Organic estate.
We grow Organic Rye, Oats, Wheat and Beans to compliment a true mixed farming enterprise. Including brush harvesting valuable seeds from species rich calcareous grassland. Our 6 metre headlands around all arable fields encourages wildlife, ground nesting birds and rare plant species, such as Yellow Rattle.
Our autumn calving herd calve down outside, but we like to bring our Spring calvers inside a few weeks before calving to rest the pastures and produce Farmyard Manure used to fertilise our arable ground the following year.
Mostly, our cattle thrive on the meadow and arable forage, and any supplementary feed is sourced from our own cereal production.
Climate Adaptability: Beef Shorthorns are resilient to various climates, making them suitable for diverse farming environments.
Sustainable By Nature: Their natural foraging abilities and long lifespan contribute to positive environmental impact. Shorthorn beef is not only high in quality but also offers sustainable farming benefits, making it a preferred choice for many farmers.
Homeopathic Management: If required, the use of Homeopathic medicine is administered to prevent and reduce ailments in the herd and the land.
Sheepdrove Organic Beef Shorthorn Beef
The consumer now wants to know that their beef is grown naturally with little in the way of inputs apart from home-grown Organic forage. The Beef Shorthorn has excellent foraging ability resulting in outstanding beef with tenderness, marbling and excellent taste.
- Balance Marbling: Shorthorn beef is moderately marbled, providing sufficient moisture and flavour while managing fat content effectively
- Tender Texture: The breed’s thin muscle fibres soften easily through cooking, enhancing the overall eating experience, for you to enjoy the rich deep flavour.
- Provenance: You can rest assured that all our Organic beef has been home bred and reared on farm, with full traceability of meat from our farm to you.
- Care and Attention: We use a Soil Association, organic approved abattoir, to ensure the distance travelled is kept to a minimum. There is a proven link between low stress of the animal and good eating quality of the meat. An Artisan Butcher prepares the meat here at Sheepdrove Organic Farm.
- We do not routinely use antibiotics, wormers or insecticides. Our animals are cared for individually, and we adopt a holistic approach, focusing on keeping our animals in optimum health at all times, so as to prevent any health issues from occurring.
