After many years with Shorthorns, the time has come to start winding down. The cattle have gone, the genetics business is closing, and this website will follow. What began as a passion grew into a lifes work, and we are proud to have played our part in the breeds story, shared with thanks, reflection and no regrets.

A Look Back

We have kept Shorthorns on and off for almost forty years, starting with our Highlands on the Isle of Man. That led to the Wenmar pedigree herd, known in both the show and sale rings. When we left the island and returned to the UK, the herd was dispersed, but the desire to return never left us.

In 2009, we bought Woodstock Bower Farm in Tenbury Wells. With one hundred acres, we rebuilt the herd with females from the Upsall anniversary sale and other private purchases. One of the most memorable moments came at Stirling, over tea with the late Jack Ramsey of Milerston. He asked if I was looking for a bull. As ever, the answer was yes, and that day we bought Podehole Beefeater for a record price. I had bred his mother on the Isle of Man and knew his potential. Beefeater went on to strengthen both our herds.

Time moved on, and in 2018 we sold Woodstock Bower to reduce cattle numbers. We relocated to Warren Farm in Knightwick, Worcestershire, forty acres surrounded by woodland. It was a beautiful place, if not the easiest for keeping cattle. After six years, we moved again, dispersing most of the herd to a nearby young breeder and settling at Shodden Farm near Wiveliscombe, Somerset. We brought four Shorthorn heifers, aiming to grow a small herd, but with only ten acres and no winter housing, it was not practical. Those heifers have now returned to Worcestershire, and we are pleased the herd remains together.

With the cattle gone, it felt right to close the genetics business too. We offered our embryos and semen at the first H and H Native Genetics Sale, with thanks to all the buyers and bidders. Most embryos sold, along with over a thousand lots of semen in March. We hope the genetics are used wisely and help carry the breed forward. A few embryos and competitively priced semen remain, including from Podehole Beefeater, one of the most underrated bulls of his time. Feel free to get in touch if interested.