InFocus: Try the Lowline - Country Smallholding

Come and see why Wessex Lowlines are the perfect choice for smallholders

Dorset-based Wessex Lowlines is inviting all smallholders who are interested in keeping a herd of docile beef animals to an open day on October 5.

Lowlines only stand at around one metre tall making them easy to handle but their Aberdeen Angus heritage means that they still produce lots of great-tasting beef.

Smallholders who want to know more about the breed can drop into the Stubhampton farm where experienced farmer David Maughan manages the 100 cattle – the largest Lowline herd in Europe.

He said: “Smallholders typically only have a few acres to keep the animals in but because Lowlines are so small and quiet you can stock more of them per acre than the bigger, traditional beef cattle. That’s why they like them.

“They only need to be fed grass too which means no need to buy in expensive feed – they can live in the fields that you have.

“Our open day is an opportunity to see the animals up close and ask lots of questions about their history, what they’re like to handle and what your options are for buying cattle.”

This is the third annual open day that Wessex Lowlines has held and in previous years smallholders have come from all over the country to see the animals and find out more about their potential. Visitors to the open day will receive an introduction to the breed from Nick Weber and Geoff Roper who started the herd in 2011. Then David will conduct a tour of the cattle.

MORE: To find out more about the breed or the open day call 01258 830568 or visit on October 5 between 10am and 3pm. Dairy Farm Barn is in Stubhampton, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8JU.