Beef is a more than a way of life for one Somerset farmer. Stuart and Jenny Clatworthy of Court Farm, East Huntspill is an excellent example of how an integrated system and attention to detail can add value to a beef enterprise.

Court Farm is approximately 450 acres, comprised mainly of grass with a small acreage of cereals. The farm carries 300 cattle; 70 mixed breed suckler cows and followers plus additional store and finishing cattle as required. There are also 900 breeding ewes which lamb between February and May.

The final piece in this jigsaw is the traditional family butchers shop in Puriton, trading as Court Farm Butchers Ltd. A mix of home produced and bought in cattle plus lambs are taken right through to slaughter and provide the shop, and Bakers of Nailsea, with a source of high quality local beef. Being in control of the animals from start to finish allows us to produce what are customers want says Mr Clatworthy.

Slaughter age and feeding are very flexible on this farm and depend on the requirement of the butchers shop. Some animals will be finished at 16 months while others taken through 24 months.

Grass silage is the main forage and this is supplemented with a specialist high energy, high starch finisher compound or blend from ForFarmers to increase daily live weight gain for a rapid finish. For rearing and growing cattle a lower starch, higher protein compound is used to ensure cattle develop a good frame for finishing. The main aim for Court Farm is to grow and finish cattle as efficiently as possible and supply the shop with a high quality end product says Mr Clatworthy.

As well as the day to day activities of the farm and shop Mr Clatworthy also takes great pride in showing fat cattle with step-daughter Megan and son Percy. Recent winter successes include Supreme Champion at Frome livestock market and Champion haltered beast at South West Winter Fair, Sedgemoor livestock market. Good stockmanship, breeding and nutrition produce quality cattle for the show ring and the butchers shop.

Court Farm is always looking for ways to move its business forward.

The most recent venture is selling quality meat at Sedgemoor livestock market on a weekend. In these volatile times it is more important for producers to be able to add value to their products and buffer the troughs in market prices.