Organic cattle in first big auction

By FWi staff

AUCTIONEERS in the south-west are preparing for the first big on-farm sale of organic cattle this week.

The sale will offer registered producers or those in conversion the chance to increase herd size without delay.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt have been instructed by Earl Castle-Stewart to disperse the entire 171 head from his Grange Farm at West Lydford, near Somerton, Somerset on 29 June, ahead of a radical farm re-organisation.

The herd comprises of Devon and Hereford X suckler cows with Limousin or Blonde-sired calves at foot.

The majority of the cows are homebred and second or third calvers, says auctioneer Henry Simon.

The Grange Farm herd has been very well managed and the cattle are of a high standard; we expect much interest in this sale, he adds.

However, although the sale is expected to see all stock attract a premium over commercial cattle prices, it is difficult to predict exactly what extra value will be achieved.

We would like to think it will match the premium paid for organic beef, says Mr Simon.

The herd holds the Organic Food Federations certificate of conformity and is farm assured.