The Scottish Belted Galloway Club had its first ever event last Sunday at Clifton Farm, Southwick, Dumfries by kind permission of Anne Bell and ably assisted by all her family.
The day started with an introduction by Anne followed by an excellent appraisal of two belties by Robert Graham, Irelandton.
We then went and viewed the cows, and calves by Clifton Hercules and Southfield Major Ronaldo, Clifton Hercules was running with the cows. The cows all looked super and in a beautiful setting overlooking the Solway, it was a glorious day so it was lovely.
On returning to the steading we took part in ‘Guess the Weight’ of two belties, a heifer and a bullock, their combined weight being 1134 kgs.
After a very enjoyable hog roast from Jamie Shennan, New Abbey, and more tea, coffee and juice, we had Jim Ross, Romesbeoch, giving us a demonstration on how to dress cattle for the show or sale.
Jim made it look so easy as he clipped off about an inch of hair from an attractive yearling heifer, he did half so we could compare one side to the other and Katie Keilley did a great commentary throughout, with Jim saying why he trimmed certain parts and answering questions from the audience.
To round off the day we had a wonderful afternoon tea in the garden, Anne had got a Scottish Belted Galloway Club cake and all her grandchildren had done a lot of delicious home baking.
All in all a great day, wonderful cattle, super scenery and great hospitality – a grand start for the Scottish Belted Galloway Club.
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