A 75-year-old farmer plans to sell a number of his British Blue cattle to raise funds for charity, in memory of his wife.
Emyr Wigley from Powys established the Old Stackyard British Blues herd in 2016 in memory of Evelyn. “We had sold our farm and built a house for our retirement, but sadly Evelyn’s untimely death from cancer changed everything.”
“I launched this Blues herd from scratch, with just three cows and five heifers, for the sole purpose of raising funds for my two favoured causes.”
Over £50,000
Four years on, he has raised over £50,000 so far – and is now planning the biggest sale to date. He has already sold 4 bulls and 17 maiden heifers from the relatively new herd.
“The herd has done incredibly well and grown to 28 with 11 more calves due next year.”
“They keep me busy with all the calves this year born naturally, unlike the previous eighteen months with 7 breech births resulting in 3 caesarean section which was disappointing, having initially purchased the 3 cows and 5 maiden heifers from naturally calving bloodlines.”
These, being the original animals, are still in the herd, with the oldest cow Stonebyers Erica, now due with her ninth calf.
“All calves are reared on silage, good grass and hay, and calf rearing nuts.”
Up to 14 animals
The farmer is offering 12-14 animals for sale over the coming months in aid of R.A.B.I and Ovarian Cancer Action.
These include five breeding bulls, cows with calves at foot, in-calf cows and maiden heifers.
“I’m looking for private sales, but I’ve also got the option of going to market in Carlisle in January and May, or Shrewsbury next March.”
The herd is bred to AI, is Level 1 herd health and closed.
He had intended to have a farmer’s open day last month, but had to abandon it. However, he is hopeful that he may be able to do so next year.
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