27/10/2026
🏆 Herd of the Year: James and Louise Macpherson's Beaufort British Friesian herd was named 2026 BF Herd of the Year, just seven years after being re-established at Yoxall Park Farm in Staffordshire. The award is data-driven rather than entered, based on production and classifications. The herd, built on the renowned Rodbrook foundation, now has around 250 cows in milk averaging 9,000 litres at 4.5% fat and 3.47% protein. 🐄
🚜 A fresh start from a greenfield site: After selling almost 200 head in 2018 to fund the move from Dorset, the couple levelled and built the new farm from scratch, then rebuilt the herd from retained heifers and select purchases. They now farm around 550 acres, graze from April to October, and follow regenerative principles with herbal leys and clovers as part of First Milk's regen co-op. 🌿
🧬 Genetics with a reach: Two Beaufort-bred bulls, Beaufort Milkman (PLI £112) and Beaufort Karactacus (PLI £107), are among Holstein UK's top proven bulls of all time, each with proofs based on more than 500 daughters. Milkman has sired seven EX and 48 VG daughters, and James remains committed to the British Friesian while keeping pace with the Holsteins on yield and type. 🏅
Read the full article in the latest edition of the Journal: https://www.holstein-uk.org/member-services/the-journal 📰
