Saturday 6th March 2021

Female record smashed, increased averages in all sections and 9 new purchasers buying into the breed, resulted in the best sale of Galloways in recent times. With increased interest in the breed due to the success of the Galloway Beef Project and environmental benefits meant Galloways were keenly bid for and many bidders in the ring and on line not successful.

Beating the 2015 Penninghame dispersal record of 8500gns was Blackcraig Fay A899 from John, Ann and Iain Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock, this September 2018 born, Blackcraig Vagrant daughter and out of a Blackcraig Sam daughter- Blackcraig Fay, sold to well-known agricultural photographer Catherine MacGregor, West Rossburnlane, Blairdrummond. This much fancied heifer sold in calf to Blackcraig Yahoo, this record breaker is the foundation female for Catherine’s new herd. The high prices continued for this outstanding pen of heifers from the Blackcraig team, next top was 7500gns for Blackcraig Joan A925, this September 2018 born Blackcraig Xtreme daughter is out of a FinMac Norseman daughter – Blackcraig Joan S374, this stylish heifer in calf to Blackcraig Yahoo and sold to new purchaser Cameron Barnett, Corsock. Mr Barnett, then purchased the remaining Blackcraig consignment all in calf to Blackcraig Yahoo, Blackcraig Imprezz A912, another 30 month old heifer, this time sired by Blackcraig Vagabond for 5200gns, Blackcraig Diana A959 by Blackcraig Vagrant for 4600gns and the November 2018 born Jock of Balgray daughter – Blackcraig Bertha A975 again for 4600gns. The Blackcraig five heifers averaged an amazing 6880gns. Not to be outdone by the heifers, Blackcraig’s bulls - Bugsy Malone, a Nucamp of Balgray son sold for 7000gns to Society’s Vice Chairman - Allan McClymont, Kirkstead for his 50 cow herd and Blackcraig Big Bear sold for 6500gns, this Blackcraig Yahoo son sold to Stewart and Kathleen for their 100 head Huntly herd at Borthwickshiels, Roberton, Hawick.

Blackcraig then purchased Countess Adele of Nether Cleugh from Peter Hunter Blair, Nether Cleugh, Corsock for 4200gns, which is a herd record price to date. This October 2018 born heifer is by X of Nether Cleugh who is by Beanley Equinox and out of Countess Winnie of Nether Cleugh.

Commenting on the success of the sale, Mr John Finlay said “ People are taking note of the breed due to the success of the Galloway Beef Project and this has made the breed able to compete on a commercial bases due to the fact people are questioning were their beef is coming from, eating quality and environmental benefits of Galloway cattle”.

Top price in the male section was 11000gns for Kirkstead Commodore from RA McClymont and Son, Kirkstead, Yarrow, this 30 month old bull is by the homebred sire Kirkstead Vindicator and out of a Penninghame Major daughter - Kirkstead Quebec Y9. This successfully used bull sold to Robbie Galloways’ Cardona herd, based in Doune. Allan also had a successful day in the female section with a top of 4300gns for Kirkstead Bondchen C3 sired Troloss Impeccable who sired last year’s top price bull -16000gns Kirkstead Commander and out of a Kirkstead Vindicator daughter Kirkstead Blondchen W4. She heads over the Irish Sea with D Hendry, Ballymena.

Society’ Chairman – Duncan Maxwell had a good day at the office when Ben Lomond Dalmore, sold for 7200gns, this 23 month old bull by Wipa of Romesbeoch and out of Ben Lomond Ribena a Blackcraig Lunatic daughter sold to Exmoor Forest Farms, Cornham Farm, Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset. Exmoor Forest Farms also purchased Avenger of Kilnstown for 4200gns, the only entry from Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Bewcastle. The oldest bull in the sale, he is by Buccleuch Adonis who was 2019 Royal Highland Show Breed Champion and out of Edna 64th of Kilnstown who has produced sons to 4500gns.

The last two bulls in the ring Dynamite and Danger Mouse of Over Barkseoch from Gib and Allan McMillan trading as Messrs Wallace Over, Barskeoch, Dalry received 5200gns and 2800gns respectively, these 15 month old bulls by Amadeus of Over Barkeoch and Penninghame Windfall, - who was bought as a calf at the Penninghame dispersal sold to CJ Baird, Laughtmuirside Farm, Thornhill and W McCreath, Polquhanity Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas.

Lockerbie base David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite from the 100 cow herd Balgray herd continued from last year’s sale success selling Platinum of Balgray for 4500gns, this September 2019 born Troloss Impeccable son - the 9500gns bull which is shared by Balgray and Kirkstead sold to Emblehope Estate (The Kennel Club), Tarset, Hexham. Balgray’s heifers sold to top of 3000gns for Omnipresent of Balgray again by Troloss Impeccable and out of Penninghame Ubiquity - a Burns of Gall-Way daughter, who was purchased at the Penninghame dispersal. This youngest of the consignment sold to another new purchaser CC & DA Fawcett, Holmcrest, Sedbergh. This duo also purchased Orchid of Balgray, for 1600gns another Troloss Impeccable daughter and out of Fleur of Balgray, this June, 2018 born heifer is due to calf in May 2021 to 8000gns Ben Lomond Blackthorn. The husband and wife team’s next best price of 2800gns was for Olive of Balgray, an incalf heifer who is in calf to Ben Lomond Blackthorn. She is a Ballavair Black Magic daughter and out of Hazel of Balgray which is a Highland Monarch of Gall-Way daughter, she sold to J Common & Son, Crossdykes, Lockerbie which sees a return of Pedigree Galloways after a 20 years absent. Another Ballavair Black Magic daughter - Overseas of Balgray was knock down for 2600gns again in calf to Ben Lomond Blackthorn, this April 2018 is off home with John Tullie, Bowanhill, Selkirk to join his Bowanhill herd. Mr Tullie also purchased Ben Lomond Catalina exhibited by J,M & D Maxwell, Ben Lomond for 2700gns, this Wipa of Romesboech and out of Ben Lomond Yana is in calf to 4000gns Zonda of Kilsntown. Ben Lomond’ s other female – Ben Lomond Cotton was sold for 3000gns, this Carslae Eddie daughter and out of Ben Lomond Rebecca sold to husband and wife team, R & A Maxwell, Howside, Ennerdale, Cleator, Cumbria and will join their 60 head Ennerdale herd.

The McCornick Family, Michael, Willie, Robbie and Mark from Barquhill, Wigtown, Newton Stewart had their best sale to date, their November 2018 born Barquhill Nancy 1026 sold for 3500gns, this Troloss Ring Pull daughter and out of Barquhill Nancy, sold in calf to Barquhill Nancy to R Nixon and E MacPherson, Marbrack, Carsphairn, Dumfries. The couple also purchased Barquhill Noreen 10001 for 2600gns, she is by Barquhill Barney a previous junior champion at the Royal Highland Show and out of Barquhill Noreen F672. These two stylish heifers join at total of 10 Galloways purchased over the two Society Sales and a welcome return of Galloways to Marbrack Farm, as this was once the home famous Marbrack herd belonging to F & J Hunter Blair.

With some of the youngest cattle in the sale, the Ross Family, Romesbeoch, Shawhead had a run of 6 super heifers, billed as their best ever. Their top price of 4000gns was achieved twice for Kalinka 2159 of Romesbeoch and Lady Diana 2180 of Romesbeoch, sired by Penninghame Windward, another calf bought at the Penninghame dispersal and the German sire Holsten Oder Z149 respectively. Their oldest heifer – Kalinka was purchased by new partnership and new members of 3 G Galloways, Stirling comprising of the Graham Brothers, Blair Drummond and Dennis Gall, Lockerbie. Lady Diana was taken home with B Huey, 97 Hillside, Armoy, Ballymena, Mr Huey also secured Hilda 2179 of Romesbeoch another Holsten Oder Z149 for 1800gns. Another new purchaser SL McCarthy, Borgue took home Beauty 2174 of Romesboech for 2700gns. Ansuha 2177 of Romebeoch had a long journey to Islay, this 25 month old heifer by the German sire, was purchased by J Porter, West Carrabus for 2300gns. The last heifer through the ring - Nerys 2249 of Romesbeoch, a Penninghame Windward daughter and goes back to the successful show cow Doon of Urr Nerys 42nd sold to new member James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven for 2400gns.

The Society would like to extend our grateful thanks to our Sponsors – Davidsons Animals Feeds, and Nith Valley Constructions for their kind donations to the highest price animal in each section.

Averages
16 Bulls £4,477.19 + £277.19
25 Heifers in calf £3,717 + £1396.00
9 Bulling Heifers £2,460 + £328.00

A full report on our web page to follow.

Lot

Name

Price Gns

Purchaser

1

Avenger of Kilnstown

4200

Exmoor Forest Farms, Simonsbath

2

Kirkstead Commodore

11000

R Galloway, Cardona

3

Craigmuie Queensberry

3200

M Partridge, Newton Abbot

8

Joe of Troloss (Wareham)

3000

C Groves, Bridgewater

10

Ben Lomond Dornoch

2500

B Douglas, Castlegore

11

Ben Lomond Dalmore

7200

Exmoor Forest Farms, Simonsbath

12

Wareham’s Icon

2500

J Reddaway, Restland

18

Wareham’s Saga

1800

D Cole, Henscott

23

Platinum of Balgray

4500

Emblehope Farm, Tarset

24

Bronx of Nether Cleugh

2500

J & M Brown, Bridgemark

25

Blackcraig Bugsy Malone

7000

RA McClyKimont, Kirkstead

26

Blackcraig Big Bear

6500

R McIntosh & Co, Borthwichshiels

29

Barquhill Oscar

2800

SRE Busby, Unthank

30

Dynamite of Over Barskeoch

5200

CJ Baird, Laughtmuirside

31

Danger Mouse of Over Barskeoch

2000

W McCreath, Polquhanity

32

Wareham’s Silver Doller

2800

J,M & D Maxwell, Ben Lomond

34

Kirkstead Blondchen C3

4300

D Henry, Ballymena

35

Kirkstead Nerys Ingrid C5

2100

R Nixon & E MacPherson, Dumfries

36

Kirkstead Amber C12

1500

E Wallace, Fingland

38

Kirkstead Amber C17

2100

R MacKenzie, Granton on Spay

39

Kirkstead Amber C20

3000

B Crawshaw, Broadley Field Farm

40

Craigmuie Lady Derby C44

1700

W McCrath, Polquhanity

47

Overseas of Balgray

2600

J Tullie, Bowanhill

48

Olive of Balgray

2800

J Common & Son, Crossdyke

49

Optic of Balgray

2100

B Huey, Balleymoney

50

Orchid of Balgray

1600

CC & DA Fawcett, Sedbergh

51

Omnipresent of Balgray

2800

CC & DA Fawcett, Sedbergh

52

Ben Lomond Cataline

2700

J Tullie, Bowanhill

53

Ben Lomond Cotton

3000

R H Maxwell, Howside

54

Blackcraig Fay A899

12500

C MacGregor, Stirling

55

Blackcraig Impreza A912

5200

C Barnett, Corsock

56

Barquhill Bertha 998

1800

D Henry, Ballymena

57

Blackcraig Joan A925

7500

C Barnett, Corsock

58

Barquhill Noreen 10001

2700

R Nixon & E MacPherson, Dumfries

59

Countess Adele of Nether Cleugh

4200

J & A Finlay, Blackcraig

60

Kalinka 2159 of Romesbeoch

4000

3 G Galloways, Stirling

61

Barquhill Bertha 1004

2300

SL McCarthy, Borgue

62

Blackcraig Diana A959

4600

C Barnett, Corsock

63

Barquhill Polly 1024

1800

D Henry, Ballymena

64

Barquhill Nancy 1026

3500

R Nixon & E MacPherson, Dumfries

65

Blackcraig Bertha A975

4600

C Barnett, Corsock

66

Beauty 2174 of Romesbeoch

2700

SL McCarthy, Borgue

67

Wareham’s Charity

1700

J Campbell, Strathaven

68

Anusha 2177 of Romesbeoch

2300

J Porter, West Carrabus

69

Hilda 2179 of Romesboech

1800

B Huey, Ballymoney

70

Lady Diana 2180 of Romesboech

4000

B Huey, Ballymoney

73

Foxglove Aster of Nether Cleugh

3000

SL McCarthy, Borgue

74

Nerys 2249 of Romesboech

2400

J Campbell, Strathaven

Friday 5th March 2021

Galloways were in demand, with all but one sold and increased averages in all sections.

 

Lockerbie based father and son team, Walter and Ian Henderson from Whitehill had a great day and personal best price of 4300gns for their 14-month-old bull - Ace of Whitehill, he is by the 5000gns Everest of Gall-Way and out of Lady Nancy 503 of Whitehill, who was the dam of Lady Nancy 716 the top-priced heifer at the 2019 spring sale bought by Kilnstown Farms for 2000gns. Ace is the first son to be sold. He was bought by Norman Ireland, New House Farm, Drigg, Holmrook, Cumbria for his 50 cow herd. The Whitehill team also sold four in-calf heifers to average £1916.25, all in calf to Trojan of Whitehill, the top price was 2300gns for Lizzie 794 of Whitehill who is by Titan of Whitehill and out of Lizzie 671 of Whitehill, who is by another homebred sire Neilman of Whitehill, she sold to G & C Neve, Haining House Farm, Lambley. The next top price of 2000gns was for Lady Nancy 783 of Whitehill again by Titan of Whitehill and out of a full sister of Ace – Lady Nancy 664 of Whitehill, this March 2018 heifer is off home to Skipton with Mr A Haggas.

The top price female of 2900gns for Barlaes Brownie 252nd was from a great pen of three heifers which averaged £2187 from Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas. This stylish 23-month-old heifer by Jake of Nether Rusko and out of Barlaes Colossus daughter - Barlaes Brownie 188th was purchased by Dumfriesshire duo R Nixon and E MacPherson. The couple also purchased another 6 heifers which included two lovely heifers from Emblehope Estate, Tarset, Hexham – Emblehope Freda and Fearless for 2500gns. These 23-month-old heifers are by Barlaes Pioneer who was purchased in 2018 for 2000gns. The 8 Emblehope heifers averaged £1785, you can read more about the Emblehope Estate in our newly published 2020 Society Journal. As at the autumn event, there was no show due to Covid restrictions.

Averages
2 bulls £3202.50 (+ £1,102.50)
4 in calf heifers £1916.25 (+ £720.42)
19 bulling heifers £1738.02 (+ £583.82)

Carlisle - Friday 5th March 2021 at 11.00am Click here for Live Stream
Please note - 3 bulls forward for Carlisle sale.

Castle Douglas - Saturday 6th March 2021 at 12 noon. View online catalogue with photographs at https://wallets.auctionmarts.com
Please note - 22 bulls forward for CD sale, Romesbeoch’s bulls and Klondyke’s entry withdrawn from sale.

2020 Breed Society Journal out now

We would be delighted to post a copy to anyone who is interested in the breed.

Please make contact with your full name and address via email: info@gallowaycattlesociety.co.uk, Facebook messenger or office mobile.

 

* * * Catalogue now available * * *

Friday 5th March, 11.00am

Borderway Mart

34 Pedigree Galloway Cattle

Download full catalogue here

Following Scottish Government guidance, the GCS spring sale held at Castle Douglas will be postponed from Friday 12th February 2021 to Saturday 6th March 2021.

The Sale will also be livestreamed by Wallets Marts with an online bidding facility.

For sale arrangements and catalogue please click here.

Unthank ‘s number has obviously come out of the secretary’s bag for an article this year,  so armed with a brief questionnaire and general guidance advice, ‘as long as you like’,  I’ll describe what we do, why we do it  and the potential future our Galloway cattle might have in a world dominated by efficiency, trees and carbon audits.  I’ll start with the traditional description of the farm and our methods and end with a summary of our experience in weighing and ranking cattle.

The farm lies in the Ewes valley north of Langholm and was bought by my father in 1966.  It extends to 1800 acres of which all but 70 acres are steep hill rising from 300 to 1650 feet.  Rainfall averages 65 inches a year and Dad made hay every year until 1985 which may explain his occasional bouts of bad temper.   He was a new entrant to farming and took local advice to stick with the local farming model, his 900 South Country Cheviots and 20 Galloway cows proving more resistant to a worsening climate than his hay making efforts. 

I took over in 2001 in the emptiness following the foot and mouth cull, the arbitrary nature of the cull taking our sheep but leaving the cows.  In the last nineteen years we have restocked with 900 Cheviots and expanded the Galloway herd to 50 registered pedigree cows.  The business has taken on two neighbouring farms, Arkleton and Meikledale, under contract farming agreements which enabled us to access hill grazing for our extra cows while I have taken on a wife and a tenanted arable farm 25 miles away in the Borders which gives us an extra 70 acres of old grass for grazing young stock.  The hill enterprise based on Unthank is managed by Brian Kennedy, assisted by his daughter Alison and stockman Ben Douglas.  In addition to our own stock on Unthank they look after 90 suckler cows and 1200 hill ewes on Arkleton and Meikledale.  The pros and cons of contract farming could fill an entire article on their own but we have been able to build an excellent relationship with the Knott family which has seen both sides commit themselves to the long term success of the farms and reap the benefits in a way that rewards both parties.

Spreading fixed costs over a larger enterprise can improve profitability but stretching people also has a cost and as a result we have increasingly simplified systems on the contracted farms.  All lambs are sold store in the autumn, cows are calved outside in May/June and the offspring are sold store at 10-18 months.  The existing Luings are being replaced by easier cared for home bred Blue Greys and are now wintered for 4 months of the year on the arable farm.  The comparison between the cow breeds is interesting with the Blue greys weighing up to 150kg lighter but when put to a Simmental bull weaning calves 10 – 15 kg heavier.  With this performance the Blue Grey should have a future in the uplands and if she does then our Galloway heifers should find a ready market.  I would encourage as much support as possible from the Society for the Blue Grey Cattle group.  We may enjoy selling Bulls to each other but a rising tide of Blue Grey cow numbers would lift all our boats as suppliers of breeding heifers.

The Unthank Galloways also spend a large part of the winter in the borders as a vital part of my arable operation.   Almost all arable farms formerly had a resident sheep flock or cattle herd with the accompanying grass break and muck, without them soil organic matter levels have plunged.  We might complain at the cost of straw but given the state of soils on many livestock free farms it is amazing that so much of it continues to be sold.  If the straw stays on the farm its cost is minimal and a simple system needs only the winter redundant forklift and owner for an hour a day.

The cows return in early spring to calve before the hill lambing and spend all summer on the hill.  We put our heifers to a White Shorthorn Bull but the rest are all bred pure.  Bullocks and the smallest heifers are taken to 29 months old through in the borders before being sold fat with surplus breeding heifers being sold at 2 years old at the Carlisle spring sale or internally to Arkleton at 18 months to breed their Blue Grey replacements. Over the last 5 years Bullocks have averaged £1260 and heifers £1050. We sold two Bulls at society sales in 2017 and will do so again when available time and opportunity present themselves.  Both Bulls were bred by our old stock bull Rebus of Nethercleugh who we used for eight years before selling on to Buccleuch farming.  He has had a great influence on the herd and through his daughters will do for years to come.

Every year I sell one or two bullocks directly to the consumer in a box scheme and as a result I know two things: the killing out percentage of my bullocks (57% if done to a deadweight trimmed spec against the market scales weight) and never to buy beef in a supermarket because I will always be disappointed!  The greatest attribute of Galloway beef is the taste, something that until now we have not been paid for.  The recent Galloway Cattle Society driven premium paid by Scotbeef for a specific kill this autumn is a positive step in the right direction which I hope can be carried on into future years.  The Scotch Beef brand sells itself with an image of native cattle breeds on the hill and we should support any initiative which gives us a greater share of that brand premium.  

Over the last fifteen years we have scored cows on the weight of their finished offspring, progressing on to recording the 205 day adjusted weight of weaned calves and finally using the ratio of cow to weaned calf weights.  Over this time we have increased the 5 year average deadweight of our bullocks from 300kg to 345kg with an annual high of 360kg in 2019.  Our 205 day weights give us an 80% accurate prediction of the bullock’s weight ranking at slaughter. It also allows us to score female offspring more accurately.  Selecting by eye while taking notice of these figures has increased the profitability of our cows but with an average mature cow turnout weight of 580kg we need to be sure that the fertility and durability of the herd does not suffer.  At present our weaning % is around 95%  but we can already see that the largest cows are more likely to extend their calving interval as they age and while a larger calf may look good on paper it does not make up for a mother who struggles to look after herself on the hill.

This year our ration of weaned calf to cow turnout weight was 40%.  A big majority of our cows do what we expect with the size of cow matching the calf however one or two outliers are more interesting. One ten year old cow turned out weighing under 500kg, put on 60 kg over the summer and weaned a calf at 266kg.  Her calving interval after eight calves is 366 days.  At the other end of the spectrum is a 5 year old cow which turned out at 650kg and weaned a calf at 271kg.  I think the former cow is supremely efficient but I would have concerns over keeping a replacement heifer off the latter.  One of my frustrations with the Beef Efficiency Scheme is that despite her performance my smaller cow would be regarded as inefficient because she first calved at three years old while her 29 month old offspring would be seen as poor performers despite finishing off grass and tasting superior to a barley finished animal in a finishing court.

The Galloway breed makes the very best of our rough hill grazing, averaging a weight gain of 25kg while raising one calf and carrying her next one.  They are simple to winter and apart from the odd bad presentation invariably calve unassisted.  A cow that asks for little and gives a good profit in return is all that we can ask for and while beef industry experts  might see her as inefficient we know that she thrives in an environment which her more her more efficient cousins would fail in.

Galloway cattle play a key role in the management of a vast upland estate in west Northumberland.

The remote Emblehope and Burngrange Estate runs over 7,550 acres of environmentally important land, including SSSI, completely surrounded by Kielder Forest and 13 miles to the north west of the village of Bellingham.

Emblehope and Burngrange was bought in March 2016 by the Kennel Club to establish a centre of excellence for gun dog trials and gun dog training and work has been ongoing to create an infrastructure to support competition and training days with pheasant and partridge.

The estate comprises very open, undulating, wet and peaty hill land - and it is a harsh environment. Much of the estate’s lower ground is white Molinia grassland, with heather further out and the land rises to around 1,600ft at the top of Monkside, on the Burngrange hirsel.

The land is currently managed within a Higher Level Stewardship scheme although discussions are ongoing with Natural England regarding a potential transition to the proposed new Environmental Land Management Scheme, although further details are required.  The farm is under the management of John Waugh. 

Hill ground currently supports 1,500 sheep in nine separate hefts over two hirsels.  Sheep are mostly Lanark Type Scottish Blackface while the Low Rig heft on Burngrange carries just over 100 South Country Cheviots. All are bred pure.

A herd of cattle was introduced to the farm in 2010 under the previous ownership of the Northumberland Estates to help manage the coarse grassland.

A herd of 20 Galloways was set up, comprising pedigree heifers sourced from Barfil, Hindhope and Haining House, among others, under the management of John’s predecessor, Ian Savage, who now farms at Brieredge, Bellingham.

Ian has given John invaluable help and advice, in particular with handling stock on the hill for gathering and shepherding, and he still helps whenever he can.

Brought up at Craigdarroch Farm, Sanquhar, where his grandfather, father and uncle were shepherds for the late David Ker for many years, John Waugh took over as manager in March 2012, calving the herd for the second time which was put to the Whitebred Shorthorn bull to produce Blue Grey calves.

John said: “Between myself, the agents for Northumberland Estates, and Natural England representatives we identified a need for more cattle on the farm, and agreed to double the numbers. 

“Over a couple of years, in calf and bulling heifers were sourced from the pedigree herds of Fingland, Troloss, Ben Lomond and Bowanhill.  I opted to split the herd in two, to graze separate parts of the farm, and breed one half pure with a view to keeping our own replacements.”

Galloway stock bulls used to date have been Kirkstead Umpire, Huntly Aviator and Barlaes Pioneer.

Calves are born from early March to May outside on the lower enclosed ground.  The cows are out on the hill all year until they come in for calving or other procedures. They are weaned in November and the calves are wintered in a shed at Wall Fell farm near Hexham, looked after by Richard Keen.

Galloway and Blue Grey bullocks are sold store at the Kirkcambeck sale at Longtown in October, at 17-20months old.  Blue Grey heifers are sold at Newcastleton in October at a similar age. 

“Since breeding my own replacements, I’ve opted to register the Galloway heifer calves under the Emblehope prefix, and I have begun a policy of selling on surplus bulling heifers at the Galloway society’s spring sale at Carlisle in March.

“This year I took three to Carlisle after selecting four to keep at home as replacements and they sold to a top of 880gns and averaged £823. I hope to build and improve on this trade if I can,” said John.

The herd has been closed to new females since 2015 when progeny of the first stock bull Kirkstead Umpire were born. 

“With the transition into a new environmental scheme and the need to support the Kennel Club’s newly established game enterprise we are in the process of trimming cattle numbers to a suitable level. It’s a balancing act to complement the needs of the environmental scheme and the Kennel Club’s enterprise.

“The plan is to have 30 head of breeding cows and heifers, all going to the Galloway bull.

“By breeding all the cattle pure, there is a huge value here in being self sufficient with replacements.  Situated in the middle of the Kielder forest, we have no livestock neighbours, so no health risks.  The herd is BVD negative through having the calves tagged with tissue test tags after birth, and we are now Johnes Level 1 risk, through the Premium Cattle Health Scheme which we have been a member of for the last three years. Heifers are also vet checked to assess their breeding suitability.”

The Whitebred Shorthorn bull has been used for the last time this year and next year’s Blue Grey calves will be the last to be sold.

“The set-up is a traditional hill farm and the less complicated the better. The sheep flocks are self replenishing and now the cattle will be too.

“I will miss selling the Blue Grey calves.  The females turn into fantastic long lasting cows which can be bulled by breed to produce a good calf.  It’s a great experience being part of the iconic annual Blue Grey heifer sale at Newcastleton mart.  However I reckon that going forward, having a slightly smaller, easier managed self contained herd will be beneficial to the place,” said John. 

With the majority of the Galloway cows being productive until they are 12 or 13 years old, despite the harsh environment with only a three month grass growing season,  only a handful of herd replacements will be required each years. Surplus two year old bulling heifers will be for sale each year at the Carlisle March sale.

“The cattle are cheap to keep - they are fed a limited amount of hay on the fell, depending on the weather and a few cattle cobs, mainly as a management tool. They also get an annual injection against fluke,” said John.

“Galloways are the perfect cow for the farm with being a lighter weight cow they don’t poach the ground and their dung provides an environment for insects which the game birds feed on.”

John aims to keep the cattle calm and easily handled and he can lead the herd off the hill and up the road to the handling pens by shaking a bag at them with the cows trundling behind him.

“Apart from occasional help, with running the farm as a mainly one man operation it is hugely important that I can move closely amongst the cows either on the hill or in the pens. Although it is of course desirable that cattle have a strong mothering instinct, it is important too that they are calm at calving time,” said John.

A small amount of hay for feeding tups and cattle on the hill during harsh weather and straw for housed stock is bought in.

Scottish Blackface tups are bought from most of the main BF sales from the likes of Burncastle, Dunruchan, Balrazzie, Kirkmabreck and Craigdarroch.

Occasional private purchases from Lauderhill, Kingside and Holylee have also been highly beneficial to the flock. Breeding is for milky, motherly females with good skins.

Stock hoggs are wintered at Camieston farm, St. Boswell’s under the care of Roy Marshall.

Store lambs are all sold store at Longtown and they are off the farm by early November at the latest when the calves go to Hexham. Cast ewes are also sold through Longtown.

The Berardelli Family have lived and worked The Great Glen Cattle Ranch, Spean Bridge since 1983.  ‘The Ranch’, as it’s known locally, is currently run by Paolo and Elspeth with the help of their 5 children. With spectacular views of Ben Nevis and surrounding mountains The Ranch comprises of 1800 acres mainly rough grazing holding a herd of 100 pure Galloway cows and a flock of 450 BF ewes with 100 acres cut for big bale silage each year.  The land rises from almost sea level to 750ft and receives around 100 inches rain per annum.

The Ranch has been certified Organic with SOPA since 2005 and benefits from Organic Maintenance Scheme which is part of an overall AECHS scheme set up to improve habitat for Black Grouse and other key species.  A herd of Blue Grey cows was run at The Ranch in the ‘80s and ‘90s alongside a small nucleus Galloway herd kept to provide replacement breeding stock.  With the onset of Organic conversion the decision was taken to move towards a pure Galloway herd of 100 cows and followers.  “When we converted to Organic we simplified things by going towards a pure Galloway herd” Paolo explains “This meant we could marry more closely the genetic potential of the cows with the overall potential of the land.  Having the right cow for the place is fundamental – better to have smaller easily fleshed cows that will thrive on rough grazing rather than larger continental type cows that although might produce a heavier calf will undoubtably need far more supplementary feeding.  The Galloway herd is easily sustainable on our rougher land and produces a readily saleable crop of calves each year with minimal inputs required”

Cows are outwintered in 2 main herds and fed home produced silage alongside bought in hay in feed trailers every 2 days.  Each herd has access to wooded areas for shelter and calve on wintering grounds from 1^st April onwards.  Cows are left in peace to express natural calving behaviour “As long as the cow is fit, knows where shelter is if needed then we have faith in the cow to deliver a live calf with a strong mother and calf bond”

In mid June 2 bulls are turned out with each herd of 50 cows  - 3 Whitbred Shorthorn bulls and 1 Galloway in total.  Whitbred bulls are purchased from Adrian Wheelwright, Kinross and Galloways from R&M Fergusson, Nether Rusko and Barlaes.  At weaning all bullocks are sold to Mid Coul Farms, Inverness for organic finishing.  Blue grey heifer calves are sold direct to return buyers from Ardnamurchan, Glendaruel and Campbeltown.  The balance is bought by Ray Flintoff at Sourhope, Kelso who in turn sells in calf heifers at Newcastleton sale. “Blue grey heifers have always been sought after but the last few years we have had far more enquiries than we have heifers available.  There has been a great resurgence of interest in Blue Greys lately as hill farmers look to go back to an easy care native bred cow – this can only mean a bright future for Galloway breeders who have hung in there..!”

Wigtownshire farmer David Ferguson is probably better known for his breeding of Blackface sheep, but in the background he also has a growing herd of hardy Galloway cows. Markdhu is situated in the bleak hills of North Wigtownshire right on the Ayrshire border and is where he spent his childhood. “Galloways are the only breed of cattle that could survive and thrive on this type of hostile terrain” says David.

David (43) his wife Ann (40), Phoebe (8) and Sophie (7) live at Drannandow Farm, Newton Stewart. David made the move to there as a young shepherd when he was 17 and for the last 12 years he has been a partner in the business with his Father Billy and James McEwen. 

This hill farm expands to over 1700 hectare and has a flock of 1400 pure blackface ewes and 30 pure Luing Cattle. Drannandow is perhaps best known for the outstanding achievement of selling the top priced shearling at Newton Stewart market in 2018 for £42,000 named ‘The Belter’. This same year, David took on the lease of Barclye Farm from the RSPB, which is located next door to Drannandow giving another 225ha.

David has been farming Markdhu since his father Billy retired in 2011 assisted by shepherd Keith McWhirter.  There are 730 pure Blackface ewes and 20 pure Galloway cows. The Fergusons have had the tenancy of Markdhu from Stair Estates since 1915.

Markdhu Farmhouse sits around 600ft and the hill rises to 885ft. The land is quite flat and wet compared to the steeper rockier terrain of Drannandow, consisting of peat moss with very little inbye and green ground. In 2001 the Family took on the tenancy of neighbouring farm Markclach giving a combined unit of 1000 hectare

Galloway cattle have been at Markdhu for over 60 years. With David’s Father Billy being a great enthusiast. In 1957 Rhona of Chirmorrie was bought from Barrhill market closely followed by Nyph of Fintalloch and Barnsallie Myrtle both bought at Newton Stewart. From there the herd of 20 was built. Very traditional in type the only additions now are stock bulls. In more recent years a bull bought in company with neighbouring farm Miltonise for 2400gns from Barlaes has left some lovely females.

Markdhu and Markclach have no green fields suitable to grow silage, so for years hay has been bought in from further afield. There is no tractor either so it was always small bales and quite an expensive way to winter them. 

When David took over the running of the business he wanted to try and run them as efficiently as possible with as little input as possible. A heft on Markclach hill which is too wet and unsafe for ewes and lambs is kept clear of stock for the summer and is used as their wintering with the addition of cattle rolls from just before they start calving in mid-December and fed through until the ewes start lambing in mid-April. 

It works out they cost £110 to keep each cow for the year. Keith tags and castrates the calves the day they are born and the first time they are in pens is when they are weaned the end of November when the cows get their annual dose and trace element bolus. David admits “We don’t even own a calving jack. My aim is to keep the cows hardy, they never get to graze the field ground at Markdhu and since we started this system I think they respond better in the spring and summer when the new growth arrives and have adapted very well.” 

The calves used to be sold store straight off their mothers but he felt he was just giving them away as they were just hill calves. Consequently, following weaning, for the last 4 years all the calves are moved to Drannandow for the winter where they are outwintered on silage and rolls. The bullocks are then sent to good summer grass at his Father in laws farm Drumtroddan near Port William. Here they are run along with the Blackie twins and help keep the sward right for them. They are then sold as forward stores in the back end to Sam Carlisle to go on and finish for his butcher’s shop. David pointed out “It is amazing how they grow and fill out into big solid animals just on grass. Very satisfying seeing them nearing their full potential.”

The heifer stirks are also wintered at Drannandow in a similar same way. They are then moved on to grass for the summer which is not quite as high quality as the bullocks grazing but enough to grow them on. When David was in talks about the lease at Barclye with the RSPB they were in an AECS scheme which involved summer cattle grazing. When he suggested starting a herd of Galloways for Barclye it was very appealing to them as David had explained they would poach less than other breeds and munch into the rougher ground to aid the habitat for birds and other wildlife. The same AECS scheme is in place at Markdhu and Dranandow so David maintains the diary for RSPB as he is familiar with the rules. 

Initially there was nine heifers sent to Barclye alongside the young Over Barskeoch bull bought at Castle Douglas for 2000gns. This allowed Markdhu to continue to use the older bull bought from the same farm who had been junior champion the year of purchase. Half a dozen of the best heifers were then sent back to Markdhu in July with 7 month old calves at foot to allow the odd 18 year old cow to be cast.

In the second year the 9 bulling heifers were moved to a woodland block on Barclye after their summer on grass where they got rolls on the ground from Christmas time with no additional fodder. They joined with the bull and the remaining cows in February and then got tightened up in one field and given silage in order to clean and rest ground for sheep before lambing.  

As an experiment they had two Drannandow Luing heifers run with them and the Galloway bull, allowing us an extra years use of their father (5200gns Nunnerie)..so watch this space for Luingaways! With another 10 bulling heifers ready to join the herd this winter and a further 10 behind those, the numbers will be built up to capacity and David is pleased he will then be in a position to sell breeding heifers “I’m sure there will be a market for these un-pampered hill cattle.”

David is the first to admit that he is not really a cow man but appreciates that they play a very important role in keeping the hill managed right for the sheep. “I have always been honest about not being a huge fan of cattle and for that reason was very amused when asked to do a feature for the journal. I think the main reason being that at away hogg wintering’s they are always poaching gate ways and eating all the grass! I like seeing them on the hill where they belong.”

Since the ‘project’ of building up the new herd on Barclye started to gather momentum David now has a new-found enthusiasm for cattle. “When it comes to selecting a stock heifer or new bull I just judge them as I would a blackie tup. They must be good on their legs and have a thickness and depth throughout. I also like them to show breed character and really like good lugs. I feel if you are looking at stock everyday it makes the job more satisfying if they are easy on the eye.”

Looking forward when asked how his farming policy would change if subsidies were cut David quipped “although we rely on subsidies I can’t really see how we could adapt anything. We are very limited with the ground we have and the system in place is running as efficiently as possible. I think a combine harvester might struggle to get round Markdhu or the milk tanker would get scunnert opening and shutting the level crossing gates!” 

Jokes aside he concluded “I do feel the future is bright for Galloways, with their ability to convert poor quality grazing into the tastiest beef out there with very little input and workload. I feel if subsidies are cut that other farmers may look towards them in order to adapt their system to cut costs and still produce a quality product. The new deal recently clinched by the Galloway Cattle Society with Aldi is fantastic and hopefully will see their popularity soar!”