The "Tofts" herd of AA was first established in 1947 by RJ Roberton (James' grandfather).

Many descendents from the foundation females are still in the herd today. Evergay's from Broadleys, Polly Perkins from Clashfarquar, Jena's from Hyndesidehill and Princes Elsy/Margaret's from Charterhouse.  These have been supplemented with purchases from Cambussbaron (Jewel Erica), Kinermony (Prona), Kilham (Elluma & Eulima), Frances from Hardlawbank,  along with imported blood lines from Canada (Blackbird, Lucy, Delia, Tibbie and Lady Erica) and from the oldest surviving herd in Australasia, Turihaua (Jolliment, Merry Maiden & Eclypta. 

In 1955 Elite of Tofts was Supreme Champion at both the Royal and Great Yorkshire shows and Reserve Male Champion at the Royal Highland Show. he was later exported to the USA where he was used with much success. Interestingly he can be found in the back pedigrees of some of the most influential sires of today.

Following Elite of Tofts success Philanderer of Tofts was exported to the USA, whilst President of Tofts made a longer journey to New Zealand.

Aberdeen Angus cattle were too small  for the commercial demands of the industry when James Playfair-Hannay took over the management of this herd in 1979 - the average cow weight was 450kg. At the time the continental European breeds were flooding into the UK.

Following visits to Canada and New Zealand a change of direction was taken, importing blood lines from Canada. Among he success of this project was the sale of Tofts Progression as an AI sire to Genus/ABS.

Females sold as foundation stock have gone to the likes of Bowmont, Eildon, Melview and Treebridge herds which have all enjoyed success at National Shows and sales with "Tofts" bloodlines.

Tofts Prona D680 won the prestigious Burke Trophy for the Westaway family at Melview. Tofts Polly Perkins L777 also in partnership with Melview won the AA National female championship and was judged "Angus Miss Europe 2019"

What does this farm have - grass and hills; so how best to use them for cattle? In 2010 a further change was made by importing embryos from New Zealand to increase productivity and profitability from grassland.  Our cows are outwintered on the hills; they need to be efficient utilisers of forage and have good locomotion as the terrain is challenging.

Tofts Prondor semen was exported to Brazil with considerable success in commercial production - an extra 40kg/carcase with a 60 day shorter finishing period.

Over the years exports of breeding stock have been made to Austria, German, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Russia and Switzerland.