We fully realise that our newsletters have been few and far between for which we apologise.

The principal reason is that Robert being accident prone this year since January, rolled our ride-on-mower and compressed two lower back vertebra. Then working cattle in the yards alone and about to take a blood sample from a young Lowline bull, it took exception to its tail being pulled and partly turned in the race, reared up and placed its foreleg into Robert's overall pocket. Robert fell heavily, hitting his head and seeing lots of stars. This did not enhance the healing of the stable vertebra compressions. The result of this has left Robert with a rather sore back.

From all this Robert learnt two valuable lessons which we wish to share:
Lesson One: Our tractor type Ride-on-Mower does not have any braking when not in forward or reverse gear. The braking is on the belts and when not engaged they are loose and slipping.

Lesson Two: Never work or handle cattle, especially young stock, in a confined space alone. Always have someone with you.

On the plus side Robert is now off warfarin and on low dose aspirin. Being on warfarin, which is better known as a rat poison, resulted Robert being in hospital for longer periods than necessary due to bleeding.

On the farming side we had a magnificent autumn, plenty of grass growth and we have just started feeding out hay, which is different to 2010 when we had to feed out from March some 600 bales.

Our paddocks are very water-logged, and from our records we have had rain for the last 70 days. But it's winter and we should not complain.

With the heavy lifting required to feed and raise day old calves, reluctantly Robert is in no position with, his back in constant pain, to raise calves this year. We regret having to advise customers and suppliers of lowline infused calves of this decision. However, if potential buyers of Lowline X weaner calves please contact us, we will be happy to direct them to possible sources in their area.

Once again 2yr & 3yr Lowline Bulls have been in demand for mating with dairy heifers. The principal reason is that the heifers have no calving problems.

Tartan Farms have not been in a position to supply many Bulls this season as we have reduced our purebred herd, having to make place for steers for our ever growing demand for Lowline Infused Meat and associated Small Goods at the Farmers' Markets.

We now regularly attend four Markets each weekend and also sell Farmhouse Dry Cured Bacon and Evansdale Soft Round Cheeses. You can find us at Ranui Market on Friday evenings, Pukekohe Market on Saturdays, Pokeno Market on Sundays and Thames Market on long weekends.

Our farm is still on the market and there has been some interest. Our goal is still to downsize and move to flatter land, possibly 10 acres.

For more details on the farm and homestead, please click HERE The page will open in a new window.

Committed to the Promotion of the Australian Lowline Beef Breed