Ian Wadman of Elliscombe Farm in Higher Holton near Wincanton, a Red Tractor accredited farm, was one of just 4 exhibitors showing pedigree Jersey Cattle at The Royal Bath and West Show this year. He left the show having won, amongst others, two Championship Awards and a Reserve Award, some in competition against other breeds.

Winning these awards is a true reflection on the years of dedication and hard work that Ian and his family have put into their herd and demonstrates the care that is given to breeding healthy animals that conform to the strict criteria of the breed.

Ian's photo sml — Ian and one of his Jersey cattle.

Ian’s parents moved from Marston Magna when they purchased the farm in the early 1960’s. About 30 years ago, at the suggestion of Ian’s Mum, Jean, they made the decision to switch from milking the very familiar black and white Holstein cattle to working with Jerseys – their Wisteria Herd. Ian and his 2 brothers now work the farm and have diversified the business to include cultivating crops and contracting as well.

Jersey cows weigh up to 500kg and are small, docile and inquisitive by nature. They will happily nibble your boot or coat as they investigate you thoroughly. Their milk is rich and high in both butterfat and protein. Ian carefully breeds all his cattle himself at Higher Holton where they spend as much time as possible in the pastures around the farm. Currently he milks 220 cows but this is set to rise to 250 individuals by the end of 2016.

‘Congratulations to Ian and the Wadman family for this fantastic result at the 2016 Bath and West Show.’ said BV Dairy’s Managing Director, Jim Highnam. ‘We are looking forward to working with them as they continue to develop the farm and their pedigree herd.’