AN uncle and nephew partnership, working from a base of 330 owned acres at Bowsden Moor, Berwick, Northumberland, is not afraid to radically adjust its portfolio of core enterprises if economic circumstances dictate.

Brian Redhead (56) and Jonathan Watson (32) currently concentrate on 200 acres of cereals, a 1,000 strong pedigree Lleyn flock, 70 pedigree Texel ewes and 70 pedigree Suffolks, as well as 30 pedigree Limousins and 30 recipients carrying pure-bred Limousin or British Blue embryos.

Their interest in beef cattle is also maintained by 60 Limousin cross and British Blue cross heifers that are put to the bull each year. The progeny are sold whenever the market can give the best return.

But as recently as 2005 their main businesses were a 270-head commercial suckler herd and a unit for 700 black and white cereal-fed beef bulls - and if all goes well on the planning side they hope to install a 16,000 head, free-range laying hen flock, by the end of the year.

Source: Farmers Guardian