The Ryedale Herd was initiated by Walter d’Leny in 1982 with foundation cows Hampton Orchard (sister of Hampton Margaret) and Princesse, a French import. These cows were flushed to Tamis and Oakley Politician and their daughters retained.

In 1986, we joined Mr d’Leny at Broadway Foot and the decision was taken to expand the pedigree herd and gradually replace the existing suckler herd.  Two heifers, Haltcliffe Berne and Haltcliffe Verne were purchased from the Haltcliffe Herd, together with females from the Broadmeadows, Uplands, Grahams, Strathallan, Tanhill and Wedmore Herds, mainly at dispersal sales.

The purchase of Crownhead Busby in 1988, as the herd’s first stockbull proved to be an excellent choice, as the progeny inherited Busby’s wonderful temperament together with exceptional length, growth and milkiness.  We retained forty-four of Busby’s daughters in the herd.

From these strong foundations we have built up a 60+ pedigree cow herd on a small hill farm situated in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, a terrain for natural muscle development!

Co-operative breeding

In 1991, we joined three other Yorkshire breeders to form White Rose Limousin (a 200 cow co-operative breeding group and the first in the UK) for the purpose of proving jointly owned sires by group testing their progeny.   Five jointly owned sires, with different characteristics, were used in the group herds, in addition to our own herd sires.   An extensive, high accuracy database for genetic improvement was built up, using the Signet recording system of regular weighing and ultrasound scanning for back-fat and eye muscle depth.   Many other traits and measurements were also recorded e.g. animal length and width; withers and rump height; testicle size; pelvic size; and temperament.

All the herds have benefited from the results of the ensuing rigorous selection that could be made with the aid of this high accuracy data. Females are selected for their milk traits and docility, as well as maintaining growth and good confirmation.

White Rose Limousin has now lapsed as an active breeding group.

Massive Reduction Sale in 2002
(date to be announced)

Ryedale Orion:
1999 Royal Shows' Record

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