Swallowdale Holsteins 

farm assured and high yielding prize-winning pedigree cattle 

bred by Chris & Susan Elmes in Wiltshire since 1986. 

Highly classified – herd average 85 points – with show type.

 

 Herd average 10,000 litres 

130 milking cattle and 100 followers from strong female families

 

Also home to the "Crystal" herd of Holsteins owned by Catherine Elmes

 

VACANCY FOR HERDSMAN - PLEASE APPLY

 

Chris and Susan Elmes farm 170 acres close to the town of Swindon, England.  The Swallowdale herd was established in 1986 and a successful breeding programme has made continuing improvement selecting sires mainly from America and Canada with an emphasis on type and conformation .  The herd is 95% Good Plus and better.  Eight cows are multiple EX and there are now 18 EX; 44VG, 45GP.  Eleven star brood cows have been bred.  In 2005 the herd achieved 1st in four different herd competitions, and 1st Bull Progeny twice.

 

The herd calves all year round to sell milk to Cadburys on a level profile.  Bull calves are sold, the heifers reared either to sell or to join the herd.  Only very special bull calves are reared and sold for breeding.

 Swallowdale April 4 EX95(6)

The milkers are fed on grass and maize silage, and high energy BOCM Pauls cake in parlour and out-of-parlour feed station.  Recent investment in new buildings and facilities is enabling us to expand cow numbers up to 150.

 

Swallowdale April 4 EX95-6 LP100