THE DECISION to move from East Kilbride to Campbeltown, when their farm was taken by compulsory purchase in 1964, introduced the Barr family to a whole new climate and farming environment, but one factor which has remained constant over the years, is their enthusiasm for the Ayrshire breed.

But while the nucleus of the herd stems back to the family’s days in Lanarkshire, the Barrs have not been afraid to modernise their type of cow over the years, while maintaining the qualities that have ensured the survival of the Ayrshire breed since the 1870s.

“We have used red and white Holstein genetics in the herd, but we’re always conscious not to go too far down that route – our main priority is having an easily managed herd that produces good quality milk,” explained Jimmy Barr, who is based with his wife Margaret at Clochkeil Farm, Campbeltown, with daughter Audrey and son Iain. He farms in partnership with his brother Robin and his wife Iona, who have two daughters, Rhona and Hazel and a son, Robin.

The family run 130 milking cows, plus followers in their Calderglen herd, and 200 Cheviot Mules, on their 420-acre unit on the outskirts of Campbeltown, with a further 110 acres owned nearer the town. First Milk’s Campbeltown Creamery is the sole outlet for milk in the area and therefore, keeping up the quality of the milk is essential. The herd yields an average 6700kg per cow, at 4.3% BF and 3.3% P.

“We aim for long-lasting, hardy cows, not too big, with good udders, and we can get that with the Ayrshire breed. Our oldest cow is still milking at 14-years-old,” said Robin.

“We don’t tend to have cows that are less than 50% Ayrshire, but the percentage is not really an issue for us – it’s the qualities of the cow that are most important. As long as we like what’s in front of us and as long as she does the job that we require her to, then that’s what matters. All breeds evolve,” added Jimmy.

In order to continuously improve their cattle, the Barrs occasionally buy in females, to introduce new family lines to the herd. Recent purchases include three heifers at Alex Kirkpatrick’s Barr dispersal in November, including Barr Butterfly 4, a VG88 heifer bought for 6000gns.

On the bull side, the Barrs have used home-bred sires but also buy in stock bulls, with one of the most successful being Pant Simon. He was used locally before heading to Clochkeil, where he bred particularly well for the herd and semen is still used off him. Another that’s left promising heifers, more recently is Sanderson Talisman, bought at an Ayr sale, while there are also future hopes for a young bull from the Lizzie family, bought last year, from West Mossgiel, Mauchline.

Cow families are always studied thoroughly before a sale, and Jimmy and Robin’s passion for showing allows them a chance to eye-up different breeding lines.

“We’ve always enjoyed showing – it’s good fun and great promotion for the herd, plus it gives us a chance to look at different families. You’ll not see anything by staying at home,” said Jimmy.

Competition locally is always strong and Calderglen cattle have enjoyed plenty success at the Kintyre shows in August and October. Last year, they took the show supreme title at the August show, beating a strong turn-out of black and whites, with a home-bred heifer by Calderglen Lancelot. They venture further afield too, taking part at Agriscot and at the Highland Show – where a Talisman daughter, Calderglen Rene, stood first prize junior heifer last year.

There is a steady demand for private sales of both heifers and bulls, but the family also sell through the ring now and again. “To know the true value of an animal, you’ve really got to test the market,” said Jimmy.

Read more in the March 20 issue of The Scottish Farmer