We are passionate about beef here in the UK, and there’s a continuing demand for fabulous grass fed beef. So if you have some land and want to graze it profitably, having a small beef suckler herd might be an appealing answer. Or you may have a love of beef, cheese, butter and cream and want to produce your own. Without a doubt, having cattle is one of the most rewarding and pleasurable of country activities.

To give prospective cattle owners a real feel for what it’s like to have cows of their own, South Yeo Farm West are running their popular Cattle for Beginners day on Saturday February 27, on their farm on the Dartmoor fringes, a few miles from Okehampton in Devon. The day covers the practicalities, the pleasures, the legalities and the needs of cattle so that you go away far more confident about taking those first steps, and many past attendees now have their own cows. Handling facilities, muck management, winter housing, breeding, health and welfare and more will be covered.

The farm’s wonderful herd of pedigree Devon Rubies and their owners Debbie Kingsley and Andrew Hubbard will be your trainers for the day. The cows are of all ages from the youngest, Plonk, who will be just five months old, to some of the veteran cows. There are plenty of young stock still suckling their dams, and older youngsters now weaned and growing on well.

You will come away with more information than you thought possible (and a comprehensive information pack), and feel much more confident and ready to bring home your first cows. You’ll also be treated to the most wonderful home produced lunch and Devon tea. Course participants on their cattle days have travelled specially to Devon from across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

To check out course details for the Cattle for Beginners day and to find information on the full range of courses offered at South Yeo Farm West, go to www.smallholdertraining.co.uk, or contact Debbie on 01837 810569 or debbie@smallholdertraining.co.uk.