Evening Hill Farm, a third-generation dairy operation in Carlisle, manages a 430-strong milking herd across approximately 700 acres. Over the past five years, the farm has implemented a targeted breeding programme that combines careful pedigree selection with beef semen, resulting in exceptional returns on their beef calves. We had a chance to catch up with Charlotte and Emma, the two daughters of farm owners James and Louise, to find out how they have integrated Cogent's Beef Impact semen and Cogent Triple Impact EMI into their breeding programme.
The family-run operation, which employs six full-time staff members, has consistently achieved top market prices for both bull and heifer calves at auction. Their success extends beyond the auction ring, with established private buyers regularly seeking their calves due to their quality and performance.
"We've seen definite benefits with Triple Impact EMI," says Charlotte. "Even on cows that have had fertility problems previously, the high fertility rate of Triple Impact has helped get them back in calf. We're not losing cows due to fertility issues anymore."
The farm's breeding strategy focuses on using sexed semen only on their strongest pedigree lines, while directing everything else to beef production and using Triple Impact EMI as a sweeper. This approach has allowed them to simultaneously strengthen their dairy herd genetics while maximising the value of their beef calves.
Some of the key benefits reported by Evening Hill Farm include:
- Exceptional fertility rates with Triple Impact EMI
- Superior calving ease: "Everything just flies out"
- Strong calf growth rates
- Consistent top market prices for 3-month-old calves
- Supplementary income from reliable high quality beef progeny
Looking ahead, Evening Hill Farm plans to expand their beef strategy by constructing a dedicated beef shed to finish more animals on-site. The flexibility to finish some animals to 18 months could lead to returns up to £1,700-£1,800.
They are also considering trying Male Sexed Semen for guaranteed higher value steers, while Triple Impact EMI remains central to their breeding program.