Convinced the Beef Shorthorn is key to his survival

Despite living in 'the heart of continental cattle country', Tony Wood is convinced the Beef Shorthorn is the key to his survival.

The family has had a suckler herd at Abbots Reading, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, for the majority of the 48 years they have farmed in the area – but it was not until 1994 that the Shorthorns first caught the eye of Mr Wood and his late father Derek.

With more than 12 years' experience of the commercial attributes of the breed, he believes the cattle have a solid future in the decoupled agricultural world.

"I'm confident that if I can make a living with any beef breed it is with the Shorthorn, a traditional breed noted for its grazing ability, particularly on marginal land and its ease of management in terms of input, handling and calving," he said.