CATTLE FATTENING
	The fertile ground and favourable climate enjoyed at Lowsteads, make it an ideal farm on which to fatten cattle. Whilst breeds may change and the consumers requirements alter, the methods used to feed and fatten the animals has not. Our cattle are nourished on feed grown by ourselves, the straw from which is used for bedding in the winter months. The manure from this is in turn put back onto the land to promote the growth of next years crops.
The animals arrive on the farm at about 10 to 12 months old, and it takes around one year to get them ready for market. During that time they will spend as much time as possible out grazing in the fields.
	Traveling to markets throughout the border counties of Scotland and Northumberland, care is taken to select the right animals which we feel will grow into what the butchers require.
When the winter months come, and most of the fields become too wet, we bring them into the sheds. Once inside they are fed a diet of silage and hay, both of which are made off the farm during the summer months. Those approaching maturity and requiring extra protein are fed rolled barley and wheat to boost their diets. All the cattle are bedded using wheat and barley straw.