Believed to have been brought and then abandoned by the Vikings in the 1500’s, the Galloway Breeds developed during the 17th Century in what was known as the Galloway province of Scotland.  This was a mountainous region of southwestern Scotland on the coast of the Irish Sea.  This area is known for having some of the coldest, most severe weather condition in the land, not totally unlike New England today.

Among the oldest of the world’s cattle breeds, the Galloways have always been known for their hardiness, having been left to fend for themselves in such rugged terrain.

Belted Galloways and Galloways are  a historic breed whose special characteristics  and genetics fit in with present day commercial beef operations, as well as direct sales to health-conscious consumers who desire flavorful, tender, lean beef fresh from the farm. The Belted Galloways were imported to the United States and Canada from the 1920’s through 1989.  Embryos and semen are still imported from the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand.

Besides their unique and distinguished markings (white belt around their midriff, the rest black, red or dun colored).  Belted Galloways have many other desirable qualities favored by purebred show cattle breeders, commercial beef producers and consumers of beef.

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Belted Galloways are Known for....

Naturally Polled:         
Range:
Exceptional Foragers: 
Feed Efficient:  
Double Coat:  
Milk Production:
Weight Gain:
Disease Resistant:   
Long Productivity:  
Strong Dominant Traits:
High Visibility:
Distinctive/Attractive:

Easy to handle, docile and quite temperament.
Adaptable to all climates.
Thrive where other cattle might go hungry.
Grow out on normal rations of grass.
Provides excellent protection in harsh weather.
Dams give rich milk producing calves that wean at half their finished weight at 205 days
Ready for slaughter at 18 months (1,050 lbs).  If crossed with hybred vigor market weight is achieved quicker.
Bred for centuries under harsh conditions.  The fittest have survived and passed on the resistance.
Dams can produce healthy calves well into their late-teens.
Passed on to purebred and crossbred progeny alike.  Crosses are often polled and belted.
Easy to locate new calves and strays.
Admired by passersby on the road and/or at the fair.

Beltie meat is Known for....

High Yields:
Flavorful & Tender:
Low Waste:
Yield Grade 2:
Naturally Lean:

Carcasses dress out at 55% - 65% of live weight.
Fine grained, but well marbled.  Low in harmful fat, high in Omega3 fatty acids.
Average fat cover is ¼:, which means less trimmed fat
Steers convert to a high percentage of excellent consumer beef
Easily marketed to consumers throughout the country