ABOUT US
BREED HISTORY
The Belted Galloway, or Belties as they are known, are an exceptionally hardy breed, with their excellent foraging abilities and being non-selective grazers, has allowed them to survive in harsh conditions, including those of the cold, rocky, mountain areas of Scotland, where they originated.
Their double coat insulates the animals well for the cold conditions in winter, therefore allowing them to not require a huge increase in their food intake to maintain their body weight. The mossy under coat is shed in summer, allowing them to cope in the heat.
Females are highly fertile, producing a calf each year and are known for their maternal traits including their excellent calving abilities. They make superb mothers, with many continuing to breed well into their late teens.
Belties are among the oldest polled beef breeds in the world. They are currently on the rare breeds list in the UK. Some historians believe that the Beltie is thought to have evolved from crossing the Scottish Galloway cattle with the Dutch Lakeryelder cattle over 300 years ago, whilst others believe that they have just evolved within the Galloway herd, as other belted breeds have done in the past.
PINE GULLY PARK HISTORY
The name Pine Gully Park is steeped in history, with the original Pine Gully Park property being situated in Temora, NSW, which was originally built up over time by my grandfather almost 80 years ago.
However for us, our journey into these beautiful cattle was not until our son indicated an interest in becoming involved in cattle, mainly due to the encouragement of his then teacher, Alison Hilli of Dromana Secondary College. Alison encouraged Richard to become involved in cattle and the idea snowballed across the entire family!
Our belted galloway stud was established with the purchase of Cumbria Bewaldeth Countess 8th from Stan Robinson of Cumbria Stud. Our herd now consists of about thirty head of varying ages, including both stud and commercial lines. We have a closed herd, so the risk of disease is greatly reduced. The herd is grass fed, with hay as a top up as required.
We use the quiet, gentle approach to breaking in calves at weaning time. Our calves are not weaned till 9 months, giving them a good start in life.
Pine Gully Park breed all three colours of Belties, breeding to aim for traditional size and standard.
These wonderful animals look very special and spectacular in the paddock, and are very tasty on the plate!