The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: Daisys Mum on November 28, 2011, 09:57:14 pm

Title: Belted galloways
Post by: Daisys Mum on November 28, 2011, 09:57:14 pm

I am thinking of getting a couple of these to rear for the freezer, the plan would be to get one at 1yr old and one at 2yrs, send the older one off when ready and replace it with another 1yr old. does anyone have any idea of what I should expect to pay for them? :cow:
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 28, 2011, 10:10:43 pm

I am thinking of getting a couple of these to rear for the freezer, the plan would be to get one at 1yr old and one at 2yrs, send the older one off when ready and replace it with another 1yr old. does anyone have any idea of what I should expect to pay for them? :cow:

A fortune.  Get black ones - they'll taste identical and cost a lot less.  (IMO.)  They're every bit as cute, too.
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Daisys Mum on November 28, 2011, 10:15:44 pm

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A fortune.  Get black ones - they'll taste identical and cost a lot less.  (IMO.)  They're every bit as cute, too.
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Mm well will find out tomorrow morning as the breeder is coming in to see me, she is overstocked and needs to cut down so I am hoping that she will not be looking for too much  ::)
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Rosemary on November 29, 2011, 09:29:18 am
Beef prices are ood just now so don't expect to get them for nothing.

Our butcher's just done a Galloway heifer - he said she was fat but that the beef was terrific.
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: humphreymctush on November 29, 2011, 12:55:54 pm
My belted Galloways heifers cost £1000 each, because they are pedegree breeding stock which I plan to keep for many years. It would be an expensive way of making beef. If like me you like the look of them you could probably get some steer calves for less.
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Anke on November 29, 2011, 01:58:18 pm

I am thinking of getting a couple of these to rear for the freezer,

Have you got an additional freezer? I was just trying to picture the size of a cow vs our size of freezer...but the one meat I now don't ever eat is beef... and missing it sometimes!

You going to sell some of it?
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Pheasant pharmer on November 29, 2011, 02:59:37 pm
We looked at belteds last year, and were offered some by some friends to get us started, but even then they worked out at about £1000 each so decided against it and went for highlands instead (much cheaper down here in Yorkshire).

Our main driver was getting something that would winter out without shelter which restricted our choices somewhat!
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 29, 2011, 03:09:34 pm
Out of interest, Pheasantpharmer, did you look at 'regular' (black) Galloways at all?
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Daisys Mum on November 29, 2011, 10:18:09 pm

Well I met the breeder today and asked about cost, was told that she sold them at "market value" so I now need to research and see what they are selling at just now then i will have a better idea. I am also going to go and see them as they also have some x with Charolais. Will speak to my butcher to see how much butchering will cost and also a rough idea of  what weight of beef I would be looking at. Will have no problems selling some as all my pork customers are very keen to get some rare breed beef too.
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: jaykay on November 29, 2011, 10:22:27 pm
The White Galloways, with black ears and noses, are also very cute ......
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Padge on November 30, 2011, 07:11:15 am
We too are hoping to rear a couple of beef steer this coming year    hadn't thought about getting them at different ages......
We visited a farm a couple of weeks ago where they had Highlands   which i thought were beautiful :love: They hope to have 2 weaned feb ish next year    our choices are limited for reasons similar to pheasant pharmer

They have indicated a ball park price based on the market but when it comes to it i can see it altering    if its too steep we'll carry on looking
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Dougal on November 30, 2011, 10:18:59 am
If you are just looking to put the beast in the freezer, so steers would do, You could try looking for some cross luings, shorthorns, angus's, devons as well as the galloways. All these breeds will face the conditions of winter just as well but might be easier to find depending on where you are in the country. Your gallowayas will be worth roughly similar per kilo as these other breeds in the local mart so that might geve you a sensible ball park figure as to their value (Note that the cross angus, hereford and shorthorns may be worth more because of various supermarket promotions!)
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: Sylvia on November 30, 2011, 05:31:20 pm
No advise to give you but on my way home from work in the mornings I pass a field that often has Wiltshire Horn sheep and black and red Belted Galloway cattle. It cheers me no end if they're there :) :)
Title: Re: Belted galloways
Post by: princesspiggy on December 02, 2011, 11:41:50 pm
shetland calves are about £450. have u considered them. they are chunkier than u imagine.