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The Galloway Cattle Society of New Zealand Incorporated is happy to report that it has now decided on the dates and venues for the next World Galloway Conference in 2025.
It will be held in the deep south of the South Island, starting on Thursday 27 March through to Wednesday 2 April 2025.
This is autumn in Southland and Otago, so hopefully we will be rewarded with the sight of beautiful autumn leaf colours as we travel around these southern regions.
The starting location is in the city of Invercargill on the south coast where we will stay for 3 nights, then we will travel by coach north to Queenstown located inland in the mountains on beautiful Lake Wakatipu on Sunday to stay for a further 3 nights.
Direct flights are available into Invercargill Airport from our international airports of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Direct flights are available out of Queenstown Airport to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, with access to connecting flights around NZ.
Also there are direct flights from Queenstown to the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar.
WGC2025 Chairman, Angela McNaughton, thinks some of the Waikato breeders may be planning a short itinerary prior to start of the congress for anyone interested in visiting this area in the North Island, to see some Riggit Galloways and other local herds.
They understand that the Sydney Royal Easter Show will take place over Easter weekend 18 – 21 April 2025, so this may be of interest to those travelling from the Northern Hemisphere.
They expect that registration for the Congress and hotel bookings will be available from 1 April 2024, and further information will be sent out prior to that date.
Angela would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone from anywhere in the world that shares our common interest in the Galloway breed of cattle.
Our breeders look forward to hosting you in New Zealand.
Any questions please contact –
Angela McNaughton, Chairman WGC2025 mcnaughton@xtra.co.nz +64 274 418519
The Galloway Cattle Society proudly conducted its inaugural Cattle Dressing Workshop at Balgray, Lockerbie, graciously hosted by David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of nearly 50 members and friends, all engaged in a hands-on learning experience under the guidance of the esteemed Galloway legend, Mr. Dennis Gall.
The comprehensive workshop delved into essential skills, with Mr. Dennis Gall leading participants through the intricate processes of washing, drying, clipping, dressing, and showcasing Galloways for events like shows and sales. Renowned for his expertise, Dennis shared valuable insights at each stage, providing a thorough understanding of preparing Galloways to the highest standards.
Participants were organized into teams, collectively grooming a total of 14 Galloways to experience the complete preparation process as if gearing up for a show or sale. The practical nature of the workshop allowed attendees to acquire hands-on experience, benefiting from the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
A special highlight of the event was the opportunity for younger participants to present their groomed cattle in front of noted Galloway breeder Mr. Jim Ross. Mr. Ross generously shared his wealth of knowledge, imparting insights into the finer points of showmanship to enhance the skills and confidence of the participants.
Galloway young breeder Innes Common, ” I would just like to say that I really enjoyed the workshop and I learned a lot from it like how to clip Galloways properly. Also with leading the heifers around has given me more confidence in the ring and the food was great “.
The success of the inaugural Cattle Dressing Workshop represents a significant milestone for The Galloway Cattle Society, underscoring its dedication to fostering education and hands-on learning experiences within the Galloway community. The Society extends heartfelt gratitude to David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite for their generous permission, extra efforts in hosting the workshop at Balgray and feeding everyone. Special thanks are also extended to Dennis Gall, John Graham, Jim & Doug Ross, Scott McKinnon for their expertise, and Jason and Ramsay McKinnel and Iain Finlay for their contributions before the event. The Society is appreciative of its sponsors, including Wallets Marts, Nith Valley Constructions Ltd, Show Time Supplies, and Solway Agricultural Ltd. The Society also extends sincere thanks to all participants who made the event such a success and enjoyable occasion.
Congratulations and well done to all involved – we look forward to our next event.
Eskdalemuir, in Dumfries and Galloway, may be in one of the most southerly corners of Scotland, but its unusually cold - and wet - climate is ideal for growing trees and Galloway cattle.
The Galloway is proving to be the ideal choice for a beef herd established 10 years ago in the heart of the Esk Valley at Clerkhill Farm, Eskdalemuir, so much so that numbers are being expanded to 100 cows.
Winters in Eskdalemuir are unusually cold for Scotland and rainfall is high totaling around 1,600mm in a typical year so it is not surprising the valley is well suited to commercial forestry.
Clerkhill with 1,800 acres of hill ground running up to 1,000ft and down to valley bottom pastures was bought by Eskdalemuir Forestry 14 years ago.
Ben Edmondson, from Penrith, who began working at Eskdalemuir planting trees, was initially offered a job working on the farm and over the years assumed increasing responsibilities to now having sole responsibility for managing the farm - despite having no agricultural background - and also for establishing the Galloway herd.
Now, largely taught by hands-on experience and an SVQ Level 2 and 3 in Agriculture at Barony College while working on the farm, he is managing the herd and its breeding policy as well as the farm’s breeding sheep - and he has never looked back on making the move.
“The Galloways just thrive here out on the hill”
“The Galloways just thrive here out on the hill. They pay their way - they don’t get a second chance if they don’t get in calf. So we’re expanding the numbers to run on extra land that has been purchased,” said Ben.
Sold on the breed, Ben added: “If there’s anyone looking at getting into an easy keeping, hardy breed of cattle I’d encourage people to look into Galloways.”
In the autumn of 2023 the neighbouring 400 acre Raeburnfoot was purchased allowing the successful Galloway cows to be expanded.
The farm also carries a flock of 760 North Country Cheviot ewes which are all bred pure and sheep numbers will be expanded on the increased acreage.
Previously, the farm had a flock of 1,200 ewes and a shepherd was also employed. Now all the cows calve outside and the lambing is also outdoors which makes it possible for Ben to run the livestock on his own with additional help when required.
“The heifers are first to calve at three years old inside from the last week of February and the cows start calving from mid-March outside in a lower-lying, sheltered area. The majority of the herd calves in a six week period before the lambing starts on April 10,” said Ben.
“The Galloways are very fertile and they are easy to get back in calf again. The bulls run with the cows on the hill all summer but all their work is done in the first six or seven weeks. Last year the 60 cows produced 60 calves and they have all thrived.
“We calve the heifers a cycle earlier to give them that extra bit of time to take back to the bull the 2nd time round and also so I can just focus on them before the cows on the hill start calving.
“They are a low maintenance cow which survives without problem outside all winter without much feed”
“The Galloways are very long lived and we have 12 year old cows still breeding. They are a low maintenance cow which survives without problem outside all winter without much feed - it’s expensive having cows in sheds. They are well-suited to the climate in Eskdalemuir.” The farm can carry a medium sized cow which has the added benefit of enhanced cull prices.
The outwintered cows are fed silage and cow rolls in the run-up to calving with snow generally expected after Christmas.
They are on the hill until February when they are brought down to calve in two different groups where they are close to the handling pens which helps ease of management. They are checked morning and night.
“I rarely see them calving - they often go into the rushy ground to calve. Then it’s a case of finding the calf to tag it and check it is OK. The Galloways are good mothers with plenty of milk. The cows generally are quiet after calving, although the odd one is quite protective. I’m going round the cows on my own so I’m very quiet with them which helps their temperament,” said Ben.
The herd’s foundation females - six cows with calves at foot and in calf - were purchased from Dorothy Gault’s Klondyke herd managed by Scott McKinnon until his retirement in 2023 at Moniaive, Thornhill, in Upper Nithsdale, which markets its Galloway beef through its own farm shop at Houghton Hall Garden Centre, Carlisle.
The herd has reached its current number through breeding using a Balgray and a Trolosse stock bull and it is now closed to any new female bloodlines. New bloodlines will be brought in to the herd with the purchase of a new stock bull at Castle Douglas in February. The optimum number of cows that Ben can manage on his own is expected to be between 90 and 100.
This year 69 females have gone to the bull this year and a further 26 heifers which will enter the herd next year will bring numbers up into the 80s
Two Clerkhill bulls, by Trolosse Impeccable son Orion of Balgray, were sold for the first time in 2023 at Castle Douglas in February. Clerkhill Rango, reserve two year old bull in the show, made 3,000gns and Clerkhill Ranger made 2,000gns
One bull by Outlook of Trolosse is earmarked for sale in Castle Douglas next spring, coming up two years old. Once numbers have been reached, breeding females will also be sold.
Ben has been flying the flag for the herd and the breed at LiveScot at Lanark where he has lifted the top tickets in the junior bull classes in the last two years, helped by show supremo Dennis Gall, of Lockerbie. He has received a lot of help and encouragement from other Galloway breeders.
All the Galloway bullocks have been sold privately to the same finisher for a number of years. The bullocks are weaned around Christmas time and they are housed until the end of April when they are put out to grazing before being sold in August before the grass growth starts to slow.
In the last few years, a re-seeding policy has established more productive lower-lying pastures for silage ground and lambing
The Cheviot flock was established a few years after the Galloway herd with the purchase of 350 ewes from Forest Irving, of Whitchesters, Hawick, when he retired.
North Country Cheviot two shear tups are sold through Lockerbie Mart and the autumn sale was the best yet for the farm with rams selling to a top price of £3,200 and an average of £1,550 for eight.
Judge:- Mr Brian Kennedy, Unthank, Ewes, Langholm, Dumfriesshire
Galloways were in demand at the Autumn sale at Harrison and Hetherington’s Carlisle Mart, increased number of entries, higher average prices and a 100% clearance rate meant vendors sold to their advantage.
Top price and champion was Ben Lomond Flower from J,M & D Maxwell, Blairvockie, Rowardennan, Drymen, this 30 month old incalf heifer, is a Zonda of Kilsntown daughter and out of Ben Lomond Zaltan - a Carslae Eddie daughter. This stylish heifer sold in calf to Barlaes Trooper to Messrs Strang Steel & Partners, Lymiecleugh, North House, Hawick for 2100gns. The Ben Lomond team had a successful day, selling their three incalf heifers, all by Zonda of Kilsntown to average £2082 - Ben Lomond Foxglove for 1800gns and Ben Lomond Fern for 2050gns to new member, Mr M Ryall, North Draycot Park Farm, Upper Seagry, Chippenham.
Father and son team, John and Andrew Tullie, Fenwick Farm, Haysike, Hawick also had a good day at the office receiving an average of £1916 for four incalf heifers sired by Yorkshire of Kilnstown. Their top price of 2050gns for Bowanhill Kathleen 131st sold to Messrs Bell, Bloch, Langholm . Also selling to the same home was Bowanhill Nancy for 1700gns. 2000gns was the call for Bowanhill Kathleen 129th, selling to the Strang Steel & Partners and Bowanhill Nancy 65th sold for 1550gns to Messrs Robertson, Becks, Langholm. These well brought out heifers were sold in calf to the 10000gns Ben Lomond Endeavor who was purchased at the 2022 spring sale at Castle Douglas.
Also selling for 2000gns was Brownie of Haining House from G & C Neve & Son, Haining House, Lambley, Brampton, this 20 month old heifer by Gauntlet of Hottbank and out of Brownie 111th of Miefield, a Loyal of Kilnstown daughter sold to Messrs Elliot, Burnfoot, Ewes, Langholm. The Haining House team also sold another two Gauntlet of Hottbank daughters - Nancy of Haining House to Messrs Worrel, 29 The Hawthorns, Gretna, Dumfriesshire for 1900gns and Laura 22nd of Haining House to Messrs Lewis for 1700gns.
Kilnstown Farms, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlisle received reserve champion with Marina 106th of Kilnstown, an intermediate bulling heifer by Troloss Nitro and out of Marina 95th of Kilsntown, a Kirkstead Taurus daughter, she sold for 1450gns to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthernshire, they purchased nine Galloways in total.
The Ravenheath herd from David and Debs Heath, Heathersgill, Wroot, Doncaster had a dispersal sale and top prices included 1800gns for Ravensfield Charlotte, this Boris of Romesbeoch daughter was successfully shown at the Great Yorkshire show and stood 2nd to the Junior Champion, she sold to J & S Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries. Another successfully shown cow and dam of the Charlotte– Ravenfields Sapphire sold for 1600gns, this Fergal of Upper Buckna daughter travelled north to Stirling with the Graham Brothers, Mains of Burnbank, Blairdurmmond.
Championship Awards
Champion - Marshall Jackson Cup– Ben Lomond Flower bred and exhibited J,M & D Maxwell, Blairvockie, Rowardennan, Drymen,
Reserve Champion - Marina 106th of Kilnstown, bred and exhibited by Kilsntown Farms, Bewcastle
Solmain Cup Winner - G & C Neve & Son– Brownie of Haining House
Class Placings
Pedigree heifer in calf or in milk
1st J,M & D Maxwell, Blairvockie, Rowardennan, Drymen, Glasgow - Ben Lomond Flower sold to Messrs Strang Steel & Partners, Lymiecleugh, North House, Hawick for 2100gns
2nd Mr A Nixon & Miss A Pitman, Nunscleugh, Rowelton, Carlisle – Jules of Whintingstown sold to Messrs Jackson & Son, Cumstone Farm, Corrie, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire for 1250gns
3rd Mr John Tullie, Fenwick Farm, Haysike, Hawick, Roxburghshire – Bowanhill Nancy 66th sold to Messrs Robertson, The Becks, Langholm, Dumfriesshire for 1700gns
Other Leading Prices
Mr John Tullie – Bowanhill Kathleen 131st sold to Messrs Robertson, The Becks, Langholm, Dumfriesshire for 2050gns
J, M & D Maxwell – Ben Lomond Fern sold to Mr M Ryall, North Draycot Park Farm, Upper Seagry, Chippenham for 2050gns
Mr John Tullie – Bowanhill Kathleen 129th sold to Messrs Strang Steel & Partners, Lymiecleugh, North House, Hawick for 2000gns
G J Kyle, Spout Bank, Walton, Brampton – Ballavair Nita sold to Mr Bell, The Bloch, Langholm, Dumfriesshire for 1800gns
Pedigree Senior Bulling Heifer
1st W J Henderson, Whitehill, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire - Lady Nancy 932 of Whitehill sold to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire for 1400gns
2nd– W J Henderson, Whitehill, Lockerbie – Myrtle 913 of Whitehill sold to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthernshire for 1400gns
3rd WJ Henderson – Lady Nancy 902 of Whitehill sold to Marina 106th of Kilnstown Other Leading Prices
WJ Henderson – Lizzie 933 of Whitehill sold to Messrs Laurie, Southdean Farm, Chester, Hawick for 1650gns
JC & E Pedley, Yore House, Lunds, Sedbergh, Cumbria –Yore House Lizzie sold to Messrs Wallace, Farney Shields, Ninebanks, Hexham for 1500gns
Pedigree Intermediate Bulling Heifer
1st Kilnstown Farms, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlisle – Marina 106th of Kilnstown sold to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire for 1450gns
2nd Kilnstown Farm – Marina 107th of Kilnstown sold to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire for 1450gns
3rd Kilnstown Farm – Marina 108th of Kilnstown sold to Miss J Brearley, Highcliffe Farm, Buisborough, Cleveland for 1450gns
Other Leading Prices
G & C Neve & Son, Haining House, Lambley, Brampton – Nancy of Haining House sold to Messrs Worrel, 29 The Hawthorns, Gretna, Dumfriesshire for 1900gns
G & C Neve & Son – Laura 2nd of Haining House sold to Messrs Lewis, Esgaircorn, Ffarmers, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire for 1700gns
D & C Logan, Greenhead Farm, Alva, Clackmannanshire - Rogan Laural 2nd sold to Messrs Moffat & Son, Bodesbeck Farm, Moffat, Dumfreisshire for 1500gns
Pedigree Junior Bulling Heifer
1st G & C Neve & Son– Brownie of Haining House sold to Messrs Elliot, Burnfoot, Ewes, Langholm for 2000gns
2nd Kilnstown Farms – Doreen 42nd of Kilnstown sold to Messrs Vevers & Charnock, Woodhead Farm, Lochanhead, Dumfries for 1000gns
Averages
1 bull £1050
22 heifers in milk or in calf £1639.90 (+£61.98) for 4 more sold
28 Bulling heifers £1447.50 (+£194.13) for 8 more sold
4 Cows in milk or in calf £1141.87 (-£258.13) for 2 more sold
Please note of the new, earlier time for the upcoming show – 10.30am
Download updated catalogue 20/01/24 and full details.
Please contact the office for a printed copy.
Saturday, 13th January at 11 am
The Galloway Cattle Society is thrilled to extend an invitation to the upcoming Inaugural Clipping and Cattle Dressing Workshop at Balgray Farm, Lockerbie, DG11 2JT on Saturday, 13th January at 11 am. Generously hosted by the Society’s Trustee, David Cornthwaite and his wife Rosemarie, this event promises an insightful and hands-on experience with Galloway cattle grooming.
Open to all ages and skill levels, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the art of washing and clipping Galloway cattle in preparation for shows and sales.
To ensure adequate cattle and food arrangements, please confirm your attendance by contacting the office: 07760 623985, email or Facebook.
Judging: 9.00am
Sale: 10.30am or at the conclusion of the Whitebred Shorthorn Cattle
Download catalogue and full details.
By kind invitation of Stewart and Katherine McIntosh.
A very enjoyable afternoon was spent by 80 members and friends who attended the open afternoon at Borthwickshiels, the home of Stewart and Katherine McIntosh and their daughters Grace and Sarah. The McIntosh family, who relocated from Outer Huntly, Ashkirk, to Borthwickshiels in Roberton on the outskirts of Hawick in 2018, brought with them their Huntly herd of Galloways with long-established bloodlines, which they manage alongside their flock of Lanark type Blackfaces and the farm’s flock of Hill type North Country Cheviots which they took on.
Activities: The afternoon was filled with various activities and demonstrations, including:
Cattle Clipping Demonstration: The event featured a cattle dressing demonstration, where onlookers had the opportunity to witness the grooming and preparation of a Galloway heifer for a show or sale. Master stockmen Dennis Gall and John Graham showcased their expertise in cattle grooming, answering questions from the audience.
Farm Tour: While the Galloway heifer was being groomed, attendees were treated to a farm tour. Tractors and trailers ferried visitors to inspect the low-input herd of 100 purebred Galloway cows. These cows are known for living outside year-round and calving on the hill at elevations of up to 1,300 feet above sea level. Additionally, they had the chance to see followers and Beef Shorthorn cross Galloway and Limousin calves, along with impressive bullocks intended for the Galloway Beef project at the end of October.
Stock Judging Competition: Throughout the afternoon, a stock judging competition took place. Attendees were presented with Galloways, Galloway crosses, Blackie, Cheviot, and Kerry Hill sheep to test their skills in judging the livestock.
Prize Winners: Congratulations to the prize winners of the stockjudging competition.
Gents
1st - John Tullie (255)
2nd - Gavin Vevers (253)
3rd Equal - Scott McKinnon and Wull McClymont (250)
Ladies
1st - Anne Blaney (241)
2nd - Carolyn Logan (238)
3rd - Kirsty Turnbull (235)
Under 16 years.
1st - James Irving (166)
2nd - Katie Irving (161)
3rd - Grace McIntosh (137)
The afternoon was finished with a Galloway Beef Burgers from Briggsy’s Quality Butchers, Jedburgh and a vote of thanks from our Chairman Mr Peter Hunter Blair.
A very special thank you to our sponsors for which the afternoon could not have happened and of course to Stewart and Katherine who very kindly agreed to host this very enjoyable afternoon.
In summary, the Borthwickshiels Open Afternoon was a fantastic event that showcased the McIntosh family’s farming operations and provided attendees with the opportunity to learn about and interact with various livestock. It also featured informative cattle dressing demonstration and a stock judging competition, making it a memorable day for all who participated.
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We would like to invite you to advertise your herd or business in the Galloway Journal.
The only place to raise the profile of your herd or business, the Journal is posted to all our members in late January and is available for the wider farming community to collect at various shows, sales and events.
To reserve your space please email or telephone the office.
All adverts are required by 9th November, 2023.
If you require help designing your advert, please let me know.
For further information please contact Dorothy,
Mobile 07760 623985
Advertising Rates + VAT
Half Page £100
Full Page £140
Double page £210
Galloway Cattle Society of GB & Ireland
Mob 07760 623985, Email info@gallowaycattlesociety.co.uk
