Page 28 - British Blue 2025 Yearbook

Since then, the business has expanded to incorporate
neighbouring Whitendale farm. Both farms are tenanted
from United Utilities, who use them both as water
gathering catchments to supply Blackburn.
Together they encompass around 6000 acres of
predominantly heather moorland, some inbye land and
BRENNAND FARM OPEN DAY
On Saturday 10th August, the Walker family very kindly hosted an open day at their farm. The family, Geoff, Margaret
and sons, John & Rob have been farming at Brennand since 1970 after moving from near Grassington, Skipton.
approximately 30acres of meadow land. The majority of
haylage is made on land further down the valley that is
taken on short term lets.
Over the last 15years we have worked closely with Phil
Halhead at Norbreck genetics, we have shared bulls and
used his ex-AI bulls on the farm here, including Dragon
Blues Champ, Bluegrass Cyclone, Cromwell Fendt, Tenace
De La Praule and Familiar D Hontoir. Both Brennand
General and Brennand Panther have been successful in
the Norbreck AI stud.
For us Fendt was an outstanding bull, capable of breeding
superb quality pedigree and commercial calves. He is still
used by AI where possible and his daughters are proving
to make great cows.
The herd now consists of around 40 cows including the
Pedigrees and Recipients. Commercial calves are sold
through Skipton Auction from Jan – March, with the cream
of the crop sold at the Craven Champion Show potential
sale in February, which we have won 10 times over the
years.
The majority of Pedigrees are sold from home with some
going to pedigree sales at Skipton and Carlisle. Highlights
include Brennand Panther making 18,000gns in Carlisle
to Norbreck Genetics, and 10,000gns Brennand Nugget.
26 www.britishbluecattle.org