Sourcing an easy managed, easy calving cow that requires minimal inputs is far from straight forward when the industry is awash with various native and continentals, but by focussing on home-bred Sim Luings, the Simmers' are confident they have found the answer for their farming enterprise.
The family's 5000acres of mixed arable and grassland based at Backmuir Farm, Keith, and Mains of Cairnbrogie, Oldmeldrum, is home to some 600plus suckler cows, but with margins already cut to the bone and limited staff, such females have to be docile and be able to produce sufficient milk to rear a good calf every year.