Herd Health at the Heart of Success for the Award Winning Anside Herd
When it comes to breeding pedigree Limousin cattle, few names carry as much weight as Anside. For more than four decades, the Irvine family from Drummuir, near Keith in Banffshire, have built a reputation for producing top-quality bulls that thrive in both commercial and pedigree herds — regularly winning in the show ring and topping sale prices at United Auctions, Stirling.
The Anside Story
Farming 220 acres at Braehead, with most running in grass. The Irvines calve in two main blocks — November/December and April/May — to target bulls for the key February, May, and October Stirling sales.
The herd was founded in 1982 and now numbers 65 pedigree Limousin cows, alongside 200 Scotch Mule ewes producing grass-finished lambs. But while the show successes and sale prices are impressive, the Irvine’s hard work to achieve a high standard of herd health is the true foundation of the Anside herd’s achievements.
Herd Health Comes First
“For us, herd health is our number one priority,” says Martin Irvine. “If you have the herd health right, then everything else will fall into place. A healthy herd is a profitable one.”
That philosophy led the family to join the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS) in the early 1990s, shortly after establishing their pedigree herd. The decision provided peace of mind — not just for the Irvines, but for their loyal customer base.
“We joined PCHS right from the get-go. SRUC (SAC at that time) was a name we trusted, having worked closely with our local SAC Consultancy office.”- Martin Irvine.
A premium health scheme for a premium herd.
Today, the Anside herd proudly holds BVD Accredited and Johne’s Risk Level 1 status, maintained since 2017, with all breeding females also vaccinated for leptospirosis.
Their high health status provides assurance for buyers who are looking for the highest quality animals with high health status.
Biosecurity and Breeding for the Future
Operating a closed herd is now a key strategy in protecting herd health. Only the best homebred heifers are retained each year — whether that’s five or fifteen — maintaining a strong, tight nucleus herd.
To further reduce the risk of disease introduction, the Irvines also retain homebred outcross bulls for use within the herd. Every bull is semen tested prior to sale, ensuring confidence for buyers and sellers alike.
Raising the Bar with Johne’s Risk Level 1*
The introduction of Risk Level 1* (RL1*) status within the PCHS Johne’s Disease Programme represents a major step forward in herd health assurance.
Martin sees the new RL1* recognition as a valuable marketing advantage for pedigree breeders and bull buyers alike.
“Johne’s Disease is associated with reduced fertility and increased cull rates. Reducing its prevalence delivers immediate production gains. it’s a problem you just don’t want’’ explains Martin.
Through diligent biosecurity — such as fencing off watercourses and ploughing down farmyard manure — the family has made significant progress in eradicating Johne’s from the herd with the help of the PCHS Johne’s accreditation testing programme. Their goal is to achieve RL1* status at the upcoming January herd test.
Success in the Show and Sale Ring
The Irvines’ commitment to health and breeding quality continues to pay off.
At the 2025 Royal Highland Show, their 19-month-old bull, Anside UFO, took overall Limousin Champion, Reserve Junior Interbreed, and helped secure the Interbreed Pairs title. UFO — sired by Gunnerfleet Lion and out of Anside Owena — carries the double F94L myostatin gene and is being retained as a future stock sire.
Earlier in the year, Anside Urban (by Plumtree Fantastic) stood Overall Champion at the May Stirling Bull Sale, selling for 22,000gns to the Brontemoor herd in Cumbria.
At the October Stirling Sale, three bulls — the first sons of stock bull Anside Superted — took first, second, and third in a strong junior class, selling for 19,000gns, 11,000gns, and 10,000gns respectively.
Why Limousin Works for the Irvines
“For us, the Limousin breed is king — producing an efficient, easy-fleshed animal that’s sustainable in a changing beef industry.” - Martin Irvine
The Limousin breed works well in both pedigree and commercial systems. Limousin females combine fertility, milkiness, and ease of management, while smaller mature weights allow higher stocking rates without compromising performance.
Limousin-sired calves often attract market premiums and do well at UK fatstock shows, thanks to their carcase quality and butcher’s beast reputation.
Takeaway for Beef Farmers
The Anside story underlines a clear message:
Strong herd health underpins breeding success.
By committing to the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme, the Irvines have not only protected their herd — they’ve built buyer trust, sale ring reputation, and a sustainable foundation for future generations.
Learn more:
SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS)
Martin Irvine – Anside Limousins
Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 24/10/2025
