A RENOWNED Cumbrian Limousin breeder has been bestowed with one of the breed's highest honours.

Craig Ridley, whose family run one of the foremost pedigree Limousin names in the UK, was chosen to take on the mantle of Honorary President of the British Limousin Cattle Society

Craig was chosen at the society’s 49th AGM, and will serve the customary two years in office.

Speaking to the Westmorland Gazette, Craig said it was a ‘great honour’ to be chosen. “I am delighted to bring this honour to the county. Limousins continue to go from strength to strength enjoying record sales, and will continue to support the society in its aims at breed promotion.”

Haltcliffe Limousins have grazed the pastures of the Caldbeck fells since the breed’s early arrival in the UK, and have enjoyed considerable success since it exploded on the British beef scene during the 1980s and 1990s.

Haltcliffe Limousin herd hit the headlines back in 2006 when the bull Haltcliffe Vermount sold for the world record price of 100,000gns.

Today, Craig runs 80 cows on the farm carrying the prefix Haltcliffe, a name the family took from the hamlet of Haltcliffe, in which the farmstead lies, and which is known all over Cumbria and further afield.

Next Saturday, October 17, is the Carlisle Limousin Autumn Bull sale at Borderway Mart when animals from noted herds all over Cumbria and further afield, including Northern Ireland, will grace the ring.

Craig is planning to take six of his top bulls, the first sons from Aultside Meanmachine, the 65,000gns bull he bought in a split deal with Lancashire based Procters Farm Ltd, Slaidburn, Nr Clitheroe, managed by Gary Swindlehurst, back in February 2018 at Carlisle. They were born last spring.