The Elbridge Herd

The Elbridge Herd is one of the largest Sussex Herds in the country. The Sussex breed is one of Englands oldest native breeds of cattle and are renowned for producing tender marbled meat. A huge advantage of the Sussex breed is their ability to thrive on extensive rearing systems and not needing large quantities of manufactured concentrates. The cattle fit in with the mixed nature of our farm well, being fed on waste potatoes and arable bi-products alongside their winter forage.

The Elbridge Herd was thrilled to win best large herd in the society herd competition 2016 and 2017 and best new registered bull in both 2016 and 2018.

History

The herd was established in 1946 when John Holdstock, (the son referred to in our business name of E H Holdstock & Son) bought his first four Sussex females. They were a Cherry, a Rose, a Snowdrop and a Ruby. Snowdrop and Cherry bloodlines still remain in the herd today. By the early 1970’s cow numbers had increased to 70 and between 1963 & 1979, a total of 30 Bulls and 26 females were exported to various countries including South Africa & Zambia. Unfortunately, when the door closed for live exports , only semen could be sent abroad. However Elbridge birthlines were used extensively and a good deal of the Australian and New Zealand Sussex cattle can be originally traced back to the Elbridge Herd.

Blood lines

We currently have 20 different female lines and 5 bull lines which are Captain (polled), Endeavour, Monarch, Regent and Formidable. In our selection for breeding we ensure that we maintain the especially desirable Sussex traits of good temperament, milkiness, sound feet, longevity and good food conversion.

The cow numbers have increased to around 180 which is split between spring and autumn calving. We keep a large proportion of Bull calves entire meaning that we have greater choice during the selection of breeding bulls. Many of our heifers are kept as replacements as well as selling individuals and batches to other breeders.

Strategic Farm

E.H.Holdstock and son in 2017 were selected to be an AHDB strategic farm. As part of this project we are holding open days throughout the year to go through studies on health, grazing, breeding and nutrition. Full details of the project can be found on the AHDB Farm excellence programme website

SIGNET Beefbreeder

The Elbridge Herd was one of the first herds to join the Signet weight recording scheme. This has been a very useful tool when making comparisons between animals, prior to selection, for both Bulls & Heifers. Over the years, we consider that both frame and type have improved and live weight gain has increased despite minimal concentrate use. Signet recently wrote a case study around the improvements seen in our herds muscle depth and growth rates.

Health Status

We carry out annual blood tests for IBR, BVD and Lepto and are clean for all three. We are tested for TB every 4 years.