The Farmers Mart Oct/Nov 2013 - Issue 30 | Page 43

DAVID TOMLINSON

you can do better – and once you have
made the improvements then something
else becomes your weakest link, so you
turn your attention to that.”
The herd average is currently running at
a healthy 10,300kg at 4.2% fat and 3.2%
protein. James looks for robust cows that
give longevity and follow the basic points
of good legs, feet, udders and chest
width.
He keeps the high yielders housed all
year and is planning on the lower yielders
being housed all year too, for consistency.
As well as efficient milk production, the
Tomlinson’s are also award-winning
Holstein breeders. David served as
Holstein Society chairman from 20032009.
The Bilsrow herd is well-respected
amongst livestock markets, fellow dairy
farmers and agricultural shows. The sale
of stock provides another form of revenue
for the farm through newly-calved heifers

or bulls which are sold at Lancaster
and Beeston livestock markets as well
as through many private sales. The aim
is to keep the herd closed in order to
minimise disease risks, particularly with
the advancing threat of Bovine TB. James
buys embryos rather than calves or cows
because of this.
Attendance at local agricultural shows is
important to them.
“We like to show support to our local
one day shows, plus it is also a way of
keeping up the profile of our Bilsrow herd.
They are great events for promoting our
brand of pedigree cows.”
Sheila and David met have two
daughters – Helen and Elizabeth. Son
James is married to Eleanor, a farmer’s
daughter.
The reception area at Bilsborrow Hall
Farm is adorned with winning photographs
of when Elizabeth was champion
showman at the National Holstein Show;

and when James won the All-Breeds
All-Britain Calf Show twice and was
also champion showman at the National
Holstein Show.
“It was better than keeping ponies!”
smiled David.
David, Sheila and James are working
very hard to ensure that their future is
secure for many years to come and they
do feel that things are getting better.
“The dip that dairy farmers have had has
probably lasted longer than anyone had
thought,” David admitted. “But it is looking
more promising now especially if you’re
up-to- date.”

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FarmersMart Oct/Nov 2013

43