Frosty 5am starts and jackets for chilly calves: A day in the life of a Shropshire wagyu beef farmer over Christmas
For most people, Christmas is a time to switch off, relax, and enjoy precious moments with loved ones - but for farmers the festive season takes on a different rhythm.
For Wyndford Wagyu near Newport, like for all livestock farms, the cows won’t wait! The team mucks in to maintain the herd’s routine while also finding time for family and friends.
Here’s a glimpse of what Christmas looks like on the farm...
Looking after wagyu cattle is a round-the-clock job, with tasks starting early every day - even on Christmas morning. For farm manager Rob Edwards and yard supervisor Darren Malpass, their day begins at 5am.
Darren, who looks after the running of the yard and fields, said: “Early mornings aren’t for everyone, but for me, they’re the best part of the day. There’s something really satisfying about seeing the cattle settled with fresh straw and happily tucking into their breakfast. It’s important that they’re comfortable and well fed.”
The wagyu cattle's breakfast consists of a carefully crafted mix of home-grown crops, including grass silage, rye, rolled wheat grain, maize, and minerals.
Preparing their food and bedding takes about four to five hours, so by mid-morning most of the big tasks of the day are already ticked off.
