Idwal Symonds
& son & daughter, Carole & Ian
Beggan Farm Partnership, Leckwith, South Wales
The Cwm Pennant Herd of Pedigree Organic Welsh Black Cattle
A closed herd of Welsh Black Cattle established 20 years ago by Idwal Symonds in partnership with his daughter Carole and son Ian as the Beggan Farm Partnership.
The Beggan Farm Partnership farms, Vale of Glamorgan
The farming operation comprises three farms, Beggan, Cock Hill and Mill Farms and extends, with woodlands, to some 300 acres in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The herd was ‘closed’ in 1986 and since that date no animals have been brought in except for the occasional stock bull. Every animal is born and bred on the farm.
To guard against possible health risks the purchase of manufactured feeds (other than mineral licks) was discontinued at the time of closure. As a result of these early and fortunate precautions the herd is B.S.E-free. This has been recognised by the State Veterinary Service by acceptance of the herd into the Government’s Beef Assurance Scheme in 1996, one of the few herds in the U.K. to be so recognised.
In addition to the Welsh Black Cattle, Carole has shire horses whilst Ian and his wife Fernanda have planted a vineyard and cider apple orchard on Cock Hill, the former with some 2,000 vines, mainly of Alsace and Rhineland varieties.
At Beggan, Carole with her husband Andy manufacture custom-built pine furniture, this is mainly sold through their Wychwood Furniture Showroom at the farm.
The partners have undertaken and completed comprehensive hedgerow improvement schemes and are currently engaged in a Woodland improvement programme for the natural regeneration of 45 acres of woodlands.
Since commencing organic farming in 1999 it is encouraging to see the increase in bird and other wildlife numbers and varieties, particularly the ground-nesting birds such as skylarks. Fieldwork is phased to ensure that ground-nesting birds are undisturbed until their broods are fledged.
Ian’s vineyard will achieve full commercial production in 2005 and the wine will be marketed under the name BRYN CEILIOG.
In operating the organic and environmentally-friendly farm the partners have achieved a balance between commercial production, high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection.
The operations are inspected once a year by the Soil Association and the Farm Assured Welsh Livestock scheme.
Idawl Symonds
As a result of the 'closed herd' policy, the careful selection of bulls and considerate care and management, the Welsh Black herd has improved and grown year on year and now numbers about 160 cattle of all ages.
The family take pride in the quality of their animals and of the food produced, hence their pleasure at trading through Graig Farm Producers and the use of the small family abattoir of Mr Doug Griffiths in Leintwardine.
