The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2020 - Issue 69

40 THROSTLE NEST FARM JUN/JUL 2020 • farmers-mart.co.uk cattle. I enjoy the continuity of breed families by breeding our own replacements and there is a real relationship that comes from that, between the cows and yourself.’ ‘Dad started the herd when purchasing four heifers while on a day out at Beamish Museum years ago and I rate the breed very highly for its temperament, breeding ability and its beef – as Morrisons understand only too well. What is important is cow welfare. We look after them. They’re part of the family. We don’t push them and they enjoy a good life on a grass-based diet. We block calve over a period of nine weeks in the spring and our heifers calve for the first time at 3 years old. All surplus heifers are sold for breeding. We should have had ten go for sale at Carlisle in May but that was scuppered by the Covid regulations. We are now planning to go to Longtown on 31 August.’ Fraser and Rosy are always looking at new ways in which they can work with what is now referred to as regenerative agriculture and this has led to crop establishment now changing over to zero till with direct drilling. He’s also recently introduced two year grass leys in place of oilseed rape. ‘We were nearly zero drill this year, let alone zero till,’ says Fraser. The couple moved to Throstle Nest in September 2012 after selling up at Chopgate where Fraser was born. When I first visited just after they had moved in their farmhouse was a caravan and a shepherd’s hut was the office. They have since completely rebuilt the farmhouse. They are not going to be defeated by legislation. Weather maybe, but not an agriculture bill. Fraser will find a way. Franks Curtis Sales www.f • rankscurtis.co.uk Parts • Service ‘THE MASSEY FERGUSON DEALERSHIP FOR YORKSHIRE & THE NORTH EAST’ Offering a full range of quality new & used machinery from Massey Ferguson, Strautmann, Alpego, OPICO & many more... Wishing Fraser Hugill of Throstle Nest Farm continued success. Franks Curtis Ltd, Beansheaf Ind Park, Kirby Misperton, Malton, N. Yorkshire, YO17 6BG W. E. JAMESON & SON LTD MASHAM HG4 4EL We are proud to supply FRASER HUGILL of Throstle Nest Farm • Compound Feeds • Specialist Blends • Minerals, Blocks & Buckets • Milk Powders • Animal Health • Hardware Call us on 01765 689666 • Grass Seed • Forage Seed • Environmental Seed • Grassland Herbicides • Fertilisers • Silage Additive ANIMAL FEEDS • ANIMAL HEALTH • SEEDS • FERTILISERS

The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2020 - Issue 69 | Page 40