Australian Belted Galloway

This distinctively marked, hardy breed of beef cattle originated in the Galloway area of south-western Scotland. The bleak, austere, rough hill country origin of the “Beltie” breed has resulted in hardy cattle with characteristics, which adapt readily to tough Australian conditions. The breed is known to have existed for over three hundred years, and its exact origins are lost in the mists of time.

The “Beltie” is a naturally polled (hornless) animal, and the distinctive “belt” markings are also dominant. The colourings can be black, dun (brown) or red with a white belt. 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. Correctly finished carcasses dress out at a high percerntage of live weight.

The Belted Galloway has a magnificent winter coat, which comprises a double layer of hair to give excellent insulation form 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 intake in cold weather. In hot weather, the coat is shed to dine cover of hair. The hide, in it’s fully winter glory, is particularly attractive, and is sought after as a hard wearing floor rug and definite conversation piece.

The markings on the Belted Galloway are striking, and from the point of view of “eve appeal” make the breed instantly recognisable. They also have a very practical benefit, as the markings make the animal highly visible. This is a significant help with aerial mustering, or in locating new calves or strays.

The Belted Galloway breed has become increasingly popular, and membership of the Australian Belted Galloway Cattle Breeders Association has grown by over 30% in the past 12 months.

The Belted Galloway is proving to be a winner with a wide diversity of breeders, ranging from the owners of vast stations in the dry centre of the country, to those with small rural holdings. The “Beltie” is also popular with dairy and other beef breeders as a valuable sire of crossbred calves. For further information please contact the address below or log onto the web site www.beltedgalloway.org.au

Please note that the Assocation now has some new promotional material for members some are free and some have a small charge.

You may obtain brochures, stickers and fridge magnets to help promote your stud at a small cost along with promotional badges. The office at Kiama has a stock of brochures on hand along with the old and new badges (cost of $7.00 each which includes postage and GST) please contact  Anne or Janelle @ 0242323333 for any further information.

Constitution

By-laws

Code of Ethics

Breed Standards

• Melbourne Royal Galloway Feature Show - a full report!
• Beltie Heifer & Steer Carcass Wins - carcass performance at Melbourne & Cootamundra
• Cumbria Belted Galloway Stud - profile on Australian pioneer Stan Robinson
• Fitting Wins at the Cattle Hutt - profile on prominent cattle fitter John Hutt
• Cattle Fitter Contacts - a list of cattle fitters around Australia
• White Belted Welsh Cattle c. 1907
• Joining Beltie Heifers - overview of current and historical breeders opinions
• Pestivirus Information - the basics you need to know!
• Targeting the Belt - on current classification of target belts
• Genetic Criteria for Showing at Royal Shows
  

Australian Belted Galloway Association 2009 May Newsletter

• Belties in Trail Breeding Programme with preferred Angus Breeder
• ABGA Steer awarded inaugural Beltie Carcase Champion Shield
• Feeding the Beast - A beginners guide to carcass competitions
• Belting the Opposition - A brief look at Peter Koppman's carcass success

Australian Belted Galloway
PO Box 189
Kiama, NSW, 2533

Phone: 02 4232 3333
Fax: 02 4232 3350
beltedgalloway@lbcentre.com.au