The Upsall Beef Shorthorn herd - Gerald Turton
Looking for the Ultimate, Functional Suckler Cow? - by Liz Snaith
Shorthorn Strategy - by Ian Ashbridge
Slow-grown Native Beef Proves Healthier - by Jeremy Hunt
Scottish bulls leave their mark upon German Shorthorns - by Claudia Zettler
The Buccleuch Estates, Bowhill Estate - by Liz Snaith
Westmoor Herd wins ‘Most Improved’ Award for Beef Shorthorn breed - by Sara Gregson
Charles keeps “Lazy Man’s Cows” that are Cheap to Keep - by Jennifer MacKenzie
MARK’S WINNING COMBINATIONS - by Jennifer MacKenzie
Angus and Shorthorn shine for young Irishman - Article printed by courtesy of the Scottish Farmer
Traditional Shorthorn beef is proving a top seller at a Bedfordshire farm shop - Browns of Stagsden
Hill Farming has a Serious Role to Play - Tofts Herd
Victoria Poolman talks Beef Shorthorn to Rob Paisley - Westmoor Herd
Easily Managed Beef Shorthorns - Lowther Shorthorns
Glenisla Beef Shorthorns
Victoria Poolman talks Beef Shorthorn to Rob Paisley
Rob has lived on West Moor Farm all his life and The Paisley family have been there since Rob's father took over fifty years ago. The farm has 320 acres in by-ground and 540 acres of moorland and is situated in the idyllic village of Middleton, just a couple of miles out of Ilkley, West Yorkshire. West Moor has a landrise of 750 to 1100 feet, giving a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to their herd of thirty Beef Shorthorns, the farm is home to 300 prime produce Texel cross ewes and 150 pure bred Swaledale ewes, though it's obvious where Rob's passion lies. "Beef Shorthorn has just come off the rare breeds register", he tells me. Good news for the Paisleys? "Definitely" Rob says, "there is a growing interest in the Shorthorns and now more pure bred cattle are being registered" which is brilliant news for breeders: "the breed is beginning to be seen commercially, rather than just a hobby." Indeed, this "hobby" that has been at West Moor for over ten years. "We used to cross Limousines and Belgian Blues before we started using a pure bred bull in 1995." No wonder the cows feel at home.
Since the introduction of Maine-Anjou blood into the breed in 1997, Shorthorn cattle have become more commercially viable. The 50s and 60s saw the breed trade predominantly in the Argentinean market, but due to the increase in their size as a result of the new blood, favour has grown dramatically at home.
As Chairman of the Beef Shorthorn Society in the North, Rob is clearly proud of his herd. "They're very good converters of foliage" he assures me, "ideal for working on rough pasture". And with their docile and quiet nature, they are a lovely breed to have on the farm. Their personalities certainly translate to the palate, with meat that's tender and easy to carve, which Rob describes to me as "a marbled meat which gives the beef lots of flavour." And it seems that the locals would agree.
Though the Farm sits on top of the aptly named 'Hunger Hill', going hungry is the last thing they need to worry about: Rob and his family now deliver fresh meat straight from the farm. "Our delivery scheme is becoming more and more popular" he tells me. Why? "Because it's good - people talk about it." This diversification has not only increased business, but has an added pleasure principle too. "It's much better to see people's reactions to our products first-hand and their enjoyment of our meat; it gives a sense of pride and makes it all worthwhile." Not only do the locals have a penchant for the produce, they clearly love West Moor Farm itself. As I arrived, I passed at least ten cheerful walkers on the footpaths which run through the farm. Rob says he is often complimented on the upkeep of the farm. "We always keep it tidy and it's nice when walkers comment on how nice it looks".
Additionally, the Paisley family are part of the ELS (Entry Level Environmental Scheme). Rob tells me, "the way we look after the land is important to protect the environment" he continues, "amongst other things, it involves the maintenance of walls and lowering the stocking rates."
It's all about teamwork here, with Rob's mother, Paula, and father, Joe, all working at West Moor and his wife, Penny, being the treasurer of the Beef Shorthorn Society in the North. Indeed, it's an even more tightly knit family with Rob and Penny living next door to the farm house in their beautifully renovated cottage, which dates back to 1747.
Looking to the future, Rob has high hopes for West Moor Farm. "We want to expand and develop the Shorthorn side of the farm. There's a surge of demand for local traditional meats, which we are trying to service." Given the rate of popularity of both the breed and his herd, I have no doubt that they shall. Who knows? The Paisleys may diversify even further with a National Beef Shorthorn licking contest: I'm sure Rob's got a winner.