The Belted Galloway breed (the 'Beltie') started and was developed in the austere hill country in the Galloway area of south-west Scotland and is believed to have originated more than 300 years ago - the result of crossing Galloway cattle with Dutch Lakenvelder (a horned, dairy breed).
The Beltie is a naturally polled (hornless) animal, and the distinctive 'belt' markings are also dominant. Of significance to Australian farmers is their ability to produce beef economically under tough conditions. Historically, these cattle were not shedded in the Scottish winters, and thus they have evolved into a hardy, adaptable breed with good foraging ability, easy calving and the capacity to thrive in conditions where other breeds struggle.
The cows are long lived, and are known to produce live calves into their late old age. The Beltie mother is renowned for her mothering ability, and produces a very rich milk supply which produces a well-grown calf at weaning time. Calves are small at birth, which ensures easy calving, but 'grow like mushrooms' with the good milk supply.
The Beltie produces high quality beef, which is lean and tasty. The meat is nicely marbled, but is otherwise lower in superfluous fat. This ensures that the carcass cuts out at an economical rate - up to 62%.
The Beltie has a magnificent winter coat, which comprises a double layer of hair to give excellent insulation from the cold. There is a long 'overcoat' which readily sheds the rain and snow and helps keep the animal dry, and a very soft, mossy 'undercoat' which traps the warmth and gives the Beltie the ability to maintain its body weight with 20 - 25% less food intake in cold weather. In hot weather, the coat is shed to a fine cover of hair. The hide, in its full winter glory, is particularly attractive, and is sought after as a hard wearing floor rug and definite conversation piece.
Belted Galloways were introduced into Australia in 1973 from New Zealand, with the registered Belties being imported in 1973. Sir Reginald Reed of the 'Mt Wayo' stud in NSW brought three bulls and six females from New Zealand. During the next eight years some fifty head of registered cattle were brought to Australia. Belted Galloways were first allowed into the Australian herd books in 1976.
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The Dorper sheep is well known for its ability to adapt and survive in a variety of climatic and grazing conditions.
The Dorper was originally bred from the more arid regions of South Africa in the 1930's. Initially imported into Australia in the mid 1990's, its suitability to a range of climatic conditions and low maintenance has seen the Dorper develop into one of the largest meat sheep breeds in Australia.
I'm interested in DorperWiltipolls are large, easy-care, plain-bodied sheep that shed their wool annually. They do not require crutching or shearing and do not suffer readily from fly strike, which makes them a useful breed for small holdings without shearing sheds. These sheep must have at least 96.87% Wiltshire Horn genetics, completely shed their fleece annually, and be polled. The ewes are seasonal breeders, but are good mothers, have high fertility with a high percentage of multiple births. Wiltipoll sheep may weigh up to 125 kg (276 lb) under reasonable conditions.
Wiltipoll sheep (polled Wiltshire Horn) shed their wool annually in spring to summer and produce lean, heavy lambs. They are a polled breed (no horns) bred for the production of prime lamb. The wool is simply shed and falls to the ground. Due to this process, the energy of the sheep is directed into meat and milk, not wool.
The breed is, therefore, very low maintenance as it has no need for shearing, crutching, mulesing, jetting, dipping, and docking of tails. The Wiltipoll is grass seed-resistant and fly- and lice-resistant, reducing the need for chemicals or the painful practice of mulesing. All this equates to less expense and less work.
Wiltipolls have a high lambing percentage of 130-180% and good maternal instincts. They are renowned for twins and triplets. This requires fewer ewes to manage and feed with more prime lamb to sell. They produce prime lambs without laying down fat, thus producing a very lean, high-quality meat.
As the Wiltipoll are polled, the sheep are easier to handle and less bruising occurs. Wiltipolls ideally suit small acreage holders and also those farmers who can not continue with the workload associated with wool breeds. This breed is very hardy and can survive on rough, scrubby feed.
If you are interested in dorset, wiltipol or crossbred's please contact us.
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One egg has only 75 calories but 7 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, along with iron, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. The egg is a powerhouse of disease-fighting nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Buy your free range eggs from us when available. $7 per dozen.
I'm interested in EggsIf you are interested in chooks, please contact us regarding availability.
We have Brahma, Light Sussex, Polish, Copper Maran and Silkie chooks.
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