The Farmers Mart Jun-Jul 2018 - Issue 57 | Page 30

30 HIGH CALLIS WOLD
JUN/JUL 2018 • farmers-mart.co.uk
‘Our breeding herd numbers around 60-
65 cows and are Angus X that are not far off
being pure. We have a few Simmentals. We
generally keep two bulls. In addition to the
suckler herd we also buy 30-40 stores and
fatten on grass or silage taking them from
12-16 months to 24-28 months before our
stock goes to Dovecote Park.’
‘We have our cattle out in May until
nearly November with quite a lot of them
grazing around Kirby Underdale on grass
and red clover. The sucklers are kept on
grasses and hay meadows under steward-
ship schemes. We generally find red clover
silage is particularly good. Our cattle tend
to go deadweight at around 350 kilos.’
‘Sheep are 420 Mule ewes crossed with
the Charollais tup for butchers’ lambs with
stock aimed at 45 kilos going through Dawn
Meats at Carnaby. We buy replacement
gimmers from Raymond Calvert near
Reeth. We’ve had Charollais tups from Cyril
Dougherty of Kirby Misperton for the past
few years.’
One of Mike’s passions is the Uncleby Edu-
cation Centre, which he has developed with
fellow farming couple Geoff and Elaine Wray
of Manor Farm, in the former Uncleby Meth-
odist Chapel where they host school parties.
‘English Nature gave a grant to the estate
to renovate the chapel and both the Wrays
and ourselves have educational access on
our farms. It all forms part of our steward-
ship programme too. I find it particularly
enjoyable showing children the country-
side, the farm environment and how to
cook with local produce.’
‘The children we host are 4-11 years old
and love coming out here. The open air
really is the world’s best classroom and we
have created a number of farm led activities.
Robert Fuller and painter Kaherine Gleeson
are also involved. In the new chapel kitchen
we make biscuits and oats. We’ve had over
3000 children visit since we started.’
‘ One of Mike’s passions
is the Uncleby Education
Centre, which he has
developed with fellow
farming couple Geoff
and Elaine Wray
of Manor Farm
’
‘When I was at university I wasn’t 100 per
cent sure I wanted to farm, but it was going
to do something else, in my case a year at
Dunlop in Coventry, that I really enjoyed
but told me I preferred farming as my long
term career.’
Mike and Kate have a son Sam who is
now working with Mike on the farm and a
daughter Charlotte. Kate is also an equine
physiotherapist.