Following recent show successes around the UK, the Lyon family, who farm near Bourne in Lincolnshire, are excited to be heading to the 2015 East of England Smithfield Festival in Peterborough on Thursday 26 - Friday 27 November, where they hope to add to their growing trophy cabinet.
The family are a shining example of what hard work and determination can achieve. Primarily landscape gardeners, this family delved into the cattle industry only 12 years ago with just two heifers and by 2012 they won the baby beef champion at Smithfield and in 2013 they were winning at most major events including the taking the champion at the Royal Welsh Show.
From the outset, the aim of their cattle enterprise was always to be able to breed their own cattle that would be good enough for the show-ring. Much emphasis has been made on new genetics in order to achieve this. They are now into the second generation of their own breeding heifers and use Belgian Blue and Limousin crosses, to produce a commercial cross.
“We want to produce the best and showing cattle gives us, and other beef farmers, the opportunity to promote the top end of the beef industry,” explains Jonny Lyon. “It also means, if successful, that we are able to secure a premium at market.
“The show attendance also gives us the opportunity to learn from industry and other farmers and keep up to date with the latest developments,“ Jonny adds. “ Stocktech at this year’s Smithfield Festival promises to provide a whole range of new information. This is invaluable for our business growth and future profitability.
The success of the Lyon’s family is no surprise to East of England Agricultural Society show director, William Haire, who is looking forward to seeing the stock at this East of England Smithfield Festival in November.
“The Lyon family is incredibly focussed. They work hard at being informed and open to new developments in beef management. Their attention to detail, and focus on the genetics, the nutrition, the health and the general welfare of the animals, is paramount to their success.
“They have a great eye for high quality animals and understand the importance of conformation. And it is because of this, they have achieved such outstanding results,” concludes William.
