The Mill Meadow Open Day Highlights

Spinks Family Hosts Mill Meadow Open Day

On the 6th of November, the Spinks family warmly welcomed visitors to their farm for an open day filled with activities. The event highlighted their Mill Meadow herd and gave guests a close-up view of their farming operations. Ian Spinks, his wife Carol, and their sons Andrew and Jamie hosted the day. Over the years, their Mill Meadow Livestock Farming Partnership has grown into a successful family business.

Starting with the Stabiliser Breed

The Spinks family began working with Stabiliser cattle in 2008 after Ian purchased their first bull. This decision marked the beginning of a structured breeding program. At first, Andrew managed a small herd of 22 cows, while Ian looked after another herd. Later, they combined their efforts, which allowed them to expand. Today, they rotationally graze around 80 Stabiliser cows and their followers across four sites. These sites, managed in partnership with arable farmers, improve soil health and nutrient cycling. As a result, the family demonstrates how Stabiliser genetics support sustainable beef production.

Presentations at Blickling Hall

The open day began at Blickling Hall with a welcome session and presentations. First, Ursula Taylor from the Stabiliser Cattle Company spoke about the breed’s history and performance. She emphasised key traits such as feed efficiency, reduced methane emissions, and carbon mitigation.

Next, Andrew Spinks explained the family’s approach to data collection. He detailed how they use calf tagging and genomic testing to improve breeding decisions. By using genomic ear tags, they generate enhanced Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). This technology helps them make better decisions when selecting breeding stock.

The Spinks family also shared their success as a Stabiliser multiplier herd. Each year, they sell breeding stock, including cows, heifers, and bulls. Their high-health-status herd has Johne’s Level 1 accreditation and vaccinations for BVD and leptospirosis. Additionally, they have no history of tuberculosis, which further adds to their herd’s appeal.

Cost-Effective Winter Grazing Insights

After the presentations, Rhidian Jones, a grazing consultant, shared insights into winter grazing. He explained the cost benefits of bale grazing on cover crops compared to traditional winter housing. Bale grazing, he noted, can save £18.70 per cow per week.

Rhidian also highlighted the benefits of herbal leys and forage crop management. These practices improve sward diversity, dry matter intake, and the nutritional value of grazing. These techniques are critical to maintaining herd health and reducing costs.

TOURING THE HERDS

After lunch, attendees toured the Mill Meadow herd. They first visited a group of in-calf heifers grazing rotationally on a cover crop. This crop is managed by CB Gay, tenants of the National Trust at Blickling.

Representatives from Wildfarmed explained their supply chain requirements during the tour. They discussed the importance of integrating livestock into arable rotations. Meanwhile, the heifers grazed on volunteer grasses, turnip tops, and roots. This method ensures they get enough protein and dry matter, keeping them healthy and ready for calving.

Showcasing Bulls at Orchard Farm

Next, the group traveled to Orchard Farm in Erpingham. Here, the Spinks family displayed their retained bull calves, which are set to be sold as breeding bulls in the spring. Among them, Mill Meadow Beowulf, a 19-month-old bull, stood out. He bred 19 females during the last season, showing excellent genetic progress.

Two older bulls also drew attention. Mill Meadow Aelfred, a 2.5-year-old bull, has bloodlines from Black Resolution and Snipehouse Ukulele. Meanwhile, Givendale Black Youngboy, a 3.5-year-old bull, has genetics that are now widespread within the herd. Notably, Youngboy is currently available for sale.

To optimise breeding, the Spinks family uses MateSel, a genetic planning service. This tool matches bulls with cows based on EBVs and lineage. It helps them improve traits like birthweight, growth, and carcass quality while maintaining balance across the herd.

Wrapping Up with Homemade Treats

The day ended with a warm reception at Ian and Carol’s home. Guests enjoyed Carol’s delicious homemade cakes, which provided the perfect finish to the event. The Spinks family thanked everyone for attending and supporting their open day. The event was a success, with great engagement and enthusiasm from all involved.

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What our farmers say…

We are trying to produce beef that meets market specification and make the most profit possible. Using Stabilisers we are achieving our objectives, we have a low cost, low labour cow and good quality finishing cattle that meet the needs of the market.
- Mel and Pete Momber, Hampshire
I’m excited by the prospects the Stabiliser can deliver for us. The proof was there based on scientific research, backed up by a large gene pool and precise management systems. It seemed the perfect breed for our farming system.
- Will Evans, Machynlleth
On weaning in May at 10 mths old the Stabiliser calves were on par with the Blue and Angus calves. These were turned out to grass until early September then housed. This is when I was surprised by the differences between the breeds, the Angus averaged 480kg, the Blues 490kg but the Stabilisers were 530kg.
- Robin Talbot, Laois – Ireland
In 2011 we bought 46 Stabiliser heifers plus 3 bulls and sold our 3 Belgium Blue bulls. The results were clear to see, by the time we pregnancy tested our 100 cows later that year. We went from historically having 15% barren cows to only 3% barren in a 9 week mating period.
- Jeremy Iles, Gloucester
I have found Stabiliser cows to be very forage efficient. Their ability to put weight on in the summer months means I can save on winter feed costs. This has allowed me to keep more cows on the same resources.
- Jono Cole, Cornwall
We have an easy-care system that is as profitable as any other beef enterprise. We benchmark our herd against the AHDB industry figure and we sit comfortably ahead of the top third performers. I believe we are now producing a carcass with the conformation and eating quality consistency that the market wants.
- Dan Burling, Cambridgeshire
Docility, feed efficiency tested, easy calving, hybrid vigour, fertility, growth AND carcass traits from highly maternal cattle, what’s not like?
- Robin Norrie, Fife
We aim to get most out of grass as possible. The hardy nature of the cattle seems to suit this system very well. Hardly any assistance is required during calving, combined with the excellent calf vigour produce healthy and strong calves which further reduces labour costs.
- Llion and Sian Jones, Conwy
We’re over 10 years into our Stabiliser journey, we’re reaping the rewards. Moving to the Stabiliser has been a game changer for efficiency and job satisfaction, allowing us to increase cow numbers on the same area and finishing bulls averaging over 380kgs at 13 months. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner!
- Peter and Jackie Storrow, Pembrokeshire
Stabiliser cattle are a specialised suckler beef breed with the added bonus of hybrid vigour. The cattle are multi-trait performance recorded to produce EBV’s, this has a huge positive economical effect on our business. All of this is crucial for us to have a financially improving suckler herd on the farm.
- Harri Parri, Llyn Peninsula
We chose the Stabiliser breed for their docility and easy calving traits, but with the added benefit of turning grass into meat. We soon saw all of these traits were true. Our first home bred steers were finished off grass at an average age of 19 months.
- Dyfed Roberts, Anglesey
Despite our rainfall, we outwinter our cows on kale, the stabiliser cow will lay down excess fat, and successfully rear her calf. During the winter considerable cost savings are made. By changing to Stabiliser cattle I keep approximately 50% more cows as they only weigh 650Kgs, which meant more beef being produced.
- Matthew Cooke, North Devon
We started using Stabiliser bulls 20 years ago. The fertility of the breed has enabled us to calve our own heifers at 24 months and reduce our calving period to nine weeks. This together with their good temperament has encouraged us to increase cow numbers. Consequently, the farm is now producing a lot more kilos of beef.
- Edward and Ellis Griffith, Pwllheli
Minimal labour is required at calving time, with easy calving cows and calves up and suckling in no time at all. This gave us the ability to increase our cow numbers with no extra labour. The growth rate of Stabiliser cattle is exceptional, producing high weaning weights whilst converting feed efficiently.
- John and Ianto Pari, Gwynedd
We started using stabiliser genetics in 2016, we have not looked back since, they exceeded all our expectations. Changing to stabilisers has enabled us to calve heifers at 2years old with no problems, cows wean a higher percentage of their body weight, we have increased cow numbers without any need for extra labour.
- Carys Jones, Camarthenshire