The Rulesmains herd of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cattle is a family run herd that was established by Andrew Hodge in October 2007 following the dispersal of the farm’s herds of Holsteins and Ayrshires in May of that year. Andrew was keen to go in to a native breed and it was Angus cattle he could see a future in.

Having come from a dairy back ground Andrew has always had the belief that cow families are important and his focus at Rulesmains is to build these up with the hope future bulls will follow. The herd’s aim is to breed cattle that have good feet and legs and are also natural fleshing. When it comes to purchasing and showing cattle Andrew is assisted by Stuart Renton.

Rulesmains was purchased in 1968 and comprises 1050 acres, with 840 acres of combinable crops. There are 140 cows with 100 pedigree Aberdeen-Angus and 80 commercial sucklers. A total of 300 cattle are finished annually with 150 of these dairy cross cattle purchased as calves.

Early purchases for the Aberdeen-Angus herd were four females from the Elliot family’s Rawburn in October 2007, including Rawburn Ellen Erica a decendant of Cudlobe Ellen Erica. In the following February at Perth Deveron Image and Craigbeck Elana F361 were purchased.

To continue to introduce quality female lines embryos have been purchased every year from Canada and Netherton.

Herd Health:

• Members of SAC Health Scheme
• BVD accredited and vaccinated
• IBR vaccinated
• Johne’s Level 1
• TB 4