High Grounds Farm is a 400-acre enterprise nestled in the Eden Valley in Penrith, home to three generations of the Chappelhow family, Chris, Catherine and their children plus grandchildren.

The Chappelhow’s run a Holstein-Friesian dairy herd utilising a mix of AI alongside a Limousine bull. Limousine cross calves are sold at 10-12 weeks of age meaning early life performance in the calves is paramount to the success of the enterprise.

With milk supplied to Arla, herd health and productivity are central to the farm’s business model. During a routine visit from Paragon Vets, both selenium and iodine deficiencies were identified within the dairy herd - both of which are known to commonly impact fertility and calf vigour.

After consultation with their vet and researching potential solutions, Catherine concluded that Cosecure Cattle boluses were the right fit for the herd. Introducing routine bolusing at drying off to ensure a consistent daily supply of trace elements throughout the remainder of gestation and during early lactation, and the breeding period —precisely when the cows need them most.

The results were immediate and impressive.

Colostrum management is a key priority at High Grounds Farm. Every newborn calf spends time with its mother to receive that vital first feed, and with the support of Cosecure boluses, the Chappelhow family has seen a marked improvement in calf strength and responsiveness from day one.