2025 Castle Douglas Spring Show & Sale - Press Release

Galloway Spring Show & Sale 2025

A Scottish Borders farmer who only recently introduced Galloway cattle to his hill farm will be one of the judges at this year’s Galloway Cattle Spring Show and Sale at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on 13th and 14th February.

Alistair Warden of Skelfhill Farm will judge the female section at the prestigious annual event, while also offering his first bulls for sale. He’ll join another Borders-based farmer, Mr George Irving, Mount Benger, Selkirk, who will judge the bulls. 

Mr Warden, who farms 3,200 acres carrying 2,000 breeding ewes and 110 cows, started his Galloway journey in 2021, when he sought a breed that would thrive on his hill ground. The farm now carries 20 Galloways bulled pure.

“We only got into Galloways in the past few years, we’ve had Luings but we just felt we needed a cow that would thrive on our middling hill ground, and the Galloway ticked all the boxes for us,” says Mr Warden. “The mothers themselves seem to thrive with no concentrates, just a wee bit of cake at calving time. They’re very low input to get a very sellable store at 18 months. 

“What’s particularly interesting is how they utilise the hill - they’re always grazing higher up compared to other breeds. We’re now successfully wintering cows in areas where we’ve never been able to before, and they’re doing a fantastic job of keeping the rough ground down while converting it into profit. We can’t see any downside to them, they suit us perfectly.”

The two-day Galloway Cattle Spring Show and Sale will see 40 bulls and 26 in-calf or bulling heifers enter the sale ring. Notable entries include:

• Lot 39, Kypehill Stetson from James Campbell, the last bull to be offered off Foxglove Zap of Nether Cleugh who bred her first two bulls at 5000gns and 10000gns;
• Lots 46 and 47, from Glenrath Farms, two heifers in calf to Blackcraig Dyker - the world record-breaking Galloway bull that achieved 26,000gns at the 2023 sale;
• Lot 52, Foxglove Eyebright of Nether Cleugh was Reserve Junior Champion at 2024 Royal Highland Show and Reserve Champion at Glenkens Show, from Peter Hunter Blair.

Mr Warden’s own consignment includes three bulls, all sired by Barlaes Rivellino, and out of females from the renowned Blackcraig herd. “We’re looking forward to seeing how they perform in the ring, and it would be great to get some of our own breeding out there. There’s always a special feeling when someone buys something from you and it goes on to do well.” He added, “The Society has been tremendous. There’s a real sense that people are there to promote the breed rather than just for commercial gain, so I feel extremely privileged to be asked.”

Breed characteristics drive demand

The Galloway’s natural strengths are particularly relevant as farming moves towards more sustainable systems. The breed’s ability to thrive on rough grazing while producing high-quality beef with minimal inputs makes it an increasingly attractive choice for farmers looking to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Dorothy Goldie, Breed Secretary for the Galloway Cattle Society, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alistair as our female judge this year. His experience demonstrates how well-suited Galloways are to modern hill farming systems, and having new enthusiasts take on leadership roles helps drive the breed forward. The quality of entries this year is really strong, and I’d encourage anyone interested in sustainable beef production to come along to the show and sale to see these outstanding cattle for themselves. 

“Whether you’re an established farmer looking to diversify your enterprise, or someone considering getting into cattle farming, this is an ideal opportunity to meet experienced Galloway breeders, see the breed’s capabilities firsthand, and learn more about how these low-input cattle could fit into your farming system. With their natural hardiness, excellent maternal traits, and ability to produce premium beef from marginal land, Galloways offer a solution to many of the challenges facing modern farming.”

The Show begins at 10:30am on Thursday 13th February, with the Sale taking place on Friday 14th February from 11am, preceded by the Parade of Bulls at 10am.