Our Farm / The Livestock
The first cows to come onto the farm were two highland cows that Michael rustled from his parents’ garden. These formed the beginnings of the Highland Herd with subsequent cattle being obtained by slightly more conventional means.
We now run a total heard of around 500 head, many of which can be traced to the original cows.
As well as the Highland herd, we also have Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cattle, which are well suited to the type of ground we farm and the feeding practices that we operate.
We only use natural feeds on our farms, with no growth promoters or hormones used. During the summer months, the cattle are reared extensively on grass pasture, whilst in the winter months, the young are brought inside.
All our animals are fed on a mixture of silage or hay, produced on the farm and as a result are allowed to grow naturally with no forcing. We like to think of it as the best way of producing the ultimate “happy cow.”
Most male cattle and some females are put to Macbeths, whilst the best heifers are used for herd replacement or sold for breeding.
Edinvale is also a member of Quality Meat Scotland which independently inspects the farms day to day operation to ensure that it is meeting the latest quality standards. This extends to the monitoring of vetinary health plans and environmental sustainability.
Recently we have also entered into a rural stewardship scheme to help achieve a better balance of farming and maintaining indigenous eco-systems.