My grandparents were the original owners of Boars Head Farm in the early 1970’s. In 1978 they purchased their first Simmental cattle which became the foundation of the Eridge herd. My grandfather, Tom Stephens, built upon the early purchases at “Simmental 78” and became well known within the breed. He then went on to purchase his first stock bull, Sterling Golden Bull, at the Simmental Spring Special 1979 for the top price of the sale.

Sadly due to ill health in early 1981 Tom had to disperse the herd. Later in 1981 my parents decided to buy the farm and have been farming there since 1982. My father Peter has been involved with the Simmental breed since their original importation, working with the Forstal herd (K McAlpine) and the Lindridge herd (J Marshall). He has also been heavily involved with our regional club holding positions of chairman and now secretary.

Boars Head is a small grass farm and has been used in the past as a holding for rearing and preparing many animals for show and sale for other breeders and clients. This was ceased in 1997 when half the farm was developed into a golf course. At this time I was showing my love of livestock and began to take over the Boars Head herd of Simmentals and from 2003 I have featured on the show circuit.

The herd now stands just shy of 20 head. In 2000 I chose to bring in new bloodlines to the herd to replace some of the older generation females. I bought privately from Ann and Tony Jukes’ Swallowhill herd, Hockenhull Natalie 15th a daughter of Well House Dictator, Revelex Therese by Rickardstown Jumbo and Swallowhill Karina by Camus Brandy.

Later in 2002 I bought Wistow Grace 40th as a two year old heifer from John Bance, Cambridgeshire. Grace is by Curlieu Jasper and has since formed the mainstay of the herd, with some quality females coming from her.

Eridge King

Killane Tara

Oakhill Nelly 21st

Seaview Prince Charming

Wistow Grace 40th

Dirnanean Shane