Win A Pedigree Albion Heifer!

The Prize: Okeover Lottie DOB: 23/04/24 By Speckles Ferdinand out of Okeover Alice

Mr Richard Toon and his wife Anita who own the beautiful Okeover herd, have very generously donated this stunning bulling heifer, Okeover Lottie, born 23/04/24 by Speckles Ferdinand (See AI bulls,) out of Okeover Alice, to be the prize for the Albion Cattle Society Prize Draw.

They farm a total of 259 ha across two farms, both of which are tenancies of the Okeover Estate, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. One advantage of Albions is that they are dual-purpose; the Okeover herd of Albions includes about a dozen milky types milking in their commercial dairy herd whilst a similar number, of more beef type, are in their beef suckler herd. The Toon's dairy herd is low input with cows being turned out all year round. The Albions yield 5500-6000 litres compared to the herd average of 7200 litres, however, typically they last for 6-8 lactations, lowering the replacement rate. They are fed less cake- they are cheap to keep and easy calving and easy to look after. Even though Richard admits that the Albion provides variety in his herd, they still fit commercially. They are a good fit on his farm and give a return.

Pure Albion calves are reared, with the steers grading as good commercial beef. Albion cross dairy calves are sold to a regular calf-buyer who is very pleased with them. Richard also has a smashing bunch of Albion cross dairy heifers which he is looking forward to joining the milking herd.

So what has driven Richard to be so generous as to donate one of his pedigree Albion heifers?

Not only is it to raise funds for the Albion Cattle Society but it is to publicise the virtues of this breed. Many farmers want an easy care system, especially nowadays and many could find that the native Albion might prove an excellent addition. They are tough, hardy, easy care, sweet to handle, easy calving, give longevity and increase calf values. If they are being produced for beef, they can finish on grass or can be pushed on a more intense system and grade as well as the Angus breed.

Many systems use cross breeding and the Albion could fit in very well here for both dairy and beef enterprises. Many beef herds have used the Albion cross to improve milkiness and hardiness of the cows or even to improve the temperaments. Dairy herds could make use of hybrid vigour, improved calf value, hardiness and longevity.

So we have set up this prize draw with the aim of publicising this wonderful breed amongst farmers and small holders across England, Wales and Scotland. Tickets cost £10 each and can be bought on-line or in person and the draw will take place on 5th December, 8pm, live on ACS Facebook. Please help us spread the word to give a boost to Albion cattle and make a successful raffle. HOW TO BUY A TICKET