Cattle breeder, Wessex Lowlines, which is based in Stubhampton in Dorset, breeds Lowlines – cows that are two-thirds of the size of normal beef cattle.

The Lowline breeder has teamed up with Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Forester, in Donhead St. Andrew, to bring Dorset’s fine diners unusual tasting experiences, including Lowline tongue.

Geoff Roper, co-owner of Wessex Lowlines, said: “We’re delighted with this local partnership and very proud that such a prestigious restaurant recognises the high quality of Lowline beef – even down to the offal.

“We imported 10 Lowline heifers from Canada in 2010 – which were the first live beef imports into the UK in over a decade. Now, our herd is 100-strong and counting.”

Supplying The Forester is a significant breakthrough for the farm, which, as well as selling cattle to small acreage farmers across the UK and Europe, has developed a meat sales channel. Lowline beef is available from the farm gate, along with the farm’s home-reared pork, goat and lamb.

Lizzie Matthews, co-owner of The Forester, said: “We’re really lucky that this fantastic beef cattle is bred just down the road at Wessex Lowlines and we can support each other as local businesses.

“The Lowline was bred purely for beef and so we want to use every part of the animal. Our chefs butcher the carcass themselves, so that we can take all the cuts that people don’t normally eat and create unusual dishes. The Lowline beef is really top quality so we also use it for the most decadent cuts of them all, Côte de Boeuf.”

Lowlines are direct descendants of an Aberdeen Angus herd, sent to Australia from the UK in 1929 for a 60-year long breeding programme, which resulted in a small beef cow that is docile, easy to handle and produces top quality beef.

Geoff added: “We have sold animals to like-minded farmers and smallholders who share our vision that Lowlines are a breed with significant potential in the beef industry. Their docile temperament and ability to finish on pasture – rather than expensive concentrate feed – fits the sustainable model that forward-thinking farms are looking to develop.”