Hall Whitebred Shorthorns

Hall Farm, Brendon

Karen Wall, founder of this rare breed cattle has been rearing these indigenous cattle for almost fifteen years. Initially Karen ran a micro dairy near Penzance, producing and delivering pasteurised milk cream and butter. With a move to North Devon eight years ago the herd has changed to a suckler herd with an emphasis on selective breeding to improve the stock. Karen now produces cattle with excellent pedigrees and conformation, producing young bulls and heifers for private sale. Occasionally older cows ( 6-8 yrs) with calves at foot may be available.

Embryo’s have been harvested from three of the best cattle in order to start the first herd of Whitebred Shorthorns in Australia. This would not have been possible without a high herd health status and excellent genetics.

For the past eight years Karen has been in the SAC heath scheme, and has always tested negative for BVD, Johne’s, Lepto and TB. The added assurance that the cattle are disease free has to be a bonus for any prospective purchaser.

The breed is genetically different from both the beef shorthorn and the dairy shorthorn. They are of medium size, milky, hardy- so will winter out, easy calvers, very quiet temperament and will improve any cross bred dam. They are particularly noted for crossing with the Galloway to produce the renowned blue-grey. The Whitebred Shorthorn is considered the vital link in the beef production chain.

The Whitebred Shorthorn will outwinter quite happily so thus reduce the costs of housing, bedding and mucking out in the spring. The herd has access to shelter throughout the year but choose only to use it on very hot days or particularly windy ones. Overall, this has a big impact on carbon emissions.

They will thrive on the most marginal of land, eating a variety of other vegetation as well as grass. Consequently, they make an ideal breed for conservation grazing or to be credited in the Countryside Stewardship and ELMs schemes.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more about the breed or availability of stock.