Winter is in full swing in northern Illinois. We have had several inches of snow and more coming. Keeping good hay in front of the cattle, and water supplies open during this time of year, is a challenge for many farmers. As tough as this season is, it’s an essential period of the year for our family to rejuvenate, in anticipation for spring calving. We are reviewing our production records and pondering our show prospects for the upcoming year. The 4-H weigh-in for steers is still a month away, and that is a good thing because we still need to do some halter breaking. 

Last month, I asked all of you to think about helping with some volunteer work for our Society. Our organization needs everyone working together to better our breed. We will receive only what we put into it. The Council that represents you and your area will need to hear from you. We anticipate hearing your views on a variety of topics; this is how we know the direction that you wish us to go. 

I would also like to congratulate many of you for your hard work last year, but more can be done. There are many ways you may contribute to this organization. Remember, in today’s world we are all very busy, but many hands make light work. Attending Society-sanctioned events, showing at your county fairs, exhibiting at farming functions and shows, being involved in sales (either by organizing, working, buying or selling), and by sharing and writing articles to keep us informed of current Beltie events in your area. 

This is also the time of year that the final editing and printing of Belties 2008 is underway. Submitting information in a timely manner is always essential and I encourage you to advertise in all our publications. If you didn’t advertise in Belties 2008 please consider advertising in the U.S. Beltie News. From personal experience, it has been valuable marketing tool for my farm. 

Next month many farms will have started calving, and shortly thereafter the world will be greening up again, at least in the Midwest. I find myself at this time of year really fascinated by the cattle I raise, as they seem to think nothing of the cold that stops me in my tracks.  Blessings to all, spring will be here before we know it.

The Spring Council Meeting will be held in North Conway, NH April 25-27. The meeting location in North Conway has not been determined, but will be posted in the next newsletter. Contact the office if you plan to attend so we can give you the latest details. 

By now you should have received your dues notices, as well as your herd inventories. If you have not already returned them to the office, please take a few minutes to review your herd inventory. Please return it to the office  with  your dues in the envelope provided ... as soon as possible. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (717) 677-9655. 

Jerry and Kathi Jurkowski (IL) have had photographs of their animals appear recently in two publications. Klover Korners Shiraz is on the cover of  the December issue of Farming. Their cattle also appear in the 2008 1st Farm Credit Services calendar currently distributed throughout Illinois.

The New England Galloway Group will hold the National Belted Galloway Sale for the 18th consecutive year at Fryeburg, Maine on Saturday, April 26, 2008.

You still have time to consign, please contact Brud McCabe at (802) 748-5107 (VT), (603) 694-2101 (NH), (603) 694-2103 (Fax) or nwgrange@fairpoint.net.

Many of you have told me how disappointing it is taking your “non-black hide” animals to market and getting hit in the pocketbook! In a drought year like many of us experienced in 2007, and having to pay higher prices for hay or feed, you may actually be losing money at those stockyards.

In this month’s article, I would like to present one direct marketing method that may be the most lucrative way of selling your beef.

Most states have them (some states have hundreds), they typically take place from May to October, and if you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about local Farmer’s Markets.  Their popularity has grown tremendously over the last few years.  Many are held on Saturday mornings.  In metropolitan areas, they may be held twice a week.

My experience has shown me that Farmer’s Markets in metropolitan areas, or the near suburbs, are the most lucrative. That is due to higher population and the more affluent families who shop at them.

If you decide to direct market your freezer beef at Farmer’s Markets, there are several things you should do to be successful:

Check state and local laws and Health Department regulations for selling your beef.

Contact your insurance agent about product liability coverage.

Pick a processor who is USDA approved and can vacuum-pack your products (people want to see what they are buying).

If selling individual cuts, have your processor label your beef with type of cut, weight and price.

Design and have the processor apply a colorful label to your meat package with your Farm name and phone number shown.

Have a brochure available with photos and a separate price sheet.

Use a professionally made banner on your table or use a pop-up display to show your Farm name and cattle.

Have your product at the Market in coolers ready to sell.

If you decide to sell quarters or halves, take orders with deposits and have an estimated delivery date.

Some additional suggestions, and things we found helpful, include taking credit cards, and selling our beef in $50, $75, and $100 “sample packs”.  This allows you to combine and sell all of your cuts.  Also, having a simple web site shows your professionalism and allows customers to shop at home. Feel free to check out a few web sites sherwoodacresbeef.com, pikevalley.com, goodearthfarms.com and others on this site.

By selling burger at $5.79/lb and filets at $21.99/lb, and giving you an average of $7.00/lb on your net weights (approximately 500-600 lbs), you can see the potential when selling individual cuts direct to the consumer.

Attending Farmer’s Markets, having the right packaging, processor and support materials does require time and money, but remember, at many stockyards, our weaned calves are bringing only $ .70-.90 per pound.

For some additional related information, check out the article in the January/February 2008 issue of “Hobby Farms” Magazine (page 42). The article gives very specific detail on the meat processing portion of a direct marketing venture.

Your comments are appreciated, as is information on any ideas that have worked for you.  I can be reached by email at info@sherwoodacresbeef.com

Next month I will be exploring marketing to retail stores and restaurants. I will also be focusing on funding available for promoting your beef.

We extend special thanks to all the breeder/exhibitors across the U.S. who worked many hours preparing their animals for show in 2007. Your commitment and success promoting the breed are an asset to all breeders of Belted Galloway cattle. The points have been tabulated and we are excited to announce the 2007 Point Show Awards. Look for the Lifetime Awards in the March 08 newsletter.

Show Female of the Year 
Sunnybrook Elaine 24684B (AI), sired by Klover Korners Maximum out of Uphill Eleanor is bred and owned by junior member, Steve Willis, Sunnybrook Farms, Belvidere, IL. Elaine began her show career unbeaten in class as a heifer calf at World Beef Expo and NAILE.  As a yearling, her thickness, style, and femininity made her stand out in the show ring as well as the pasture.  Elaine finished her show career as Grand Champion and Reserve at World Beef Expo, and two-time Grand Champion at the Kathi Jurkowski National Junior Show during the NAILE. She was Champion at several all breed shows as well. She is truly one of a kind and is currently back in the pasture with a heifer calf at her side.

Show Sire of the Year 
Linetree’s Pistol Pete 9535B, was bred by Bob and Mary Bonnell, Oregon, IL and owned and shown by Chris Willis, Sunnybook Farms, Belvidere, IL. Pete was sired by Anderson Hill Tierra Gold out of Anderson Hill Tricky. Pete, known for his thick muscling, heavy bone, and correctness, is now passing these traits on to his calves and making his mark as a proven herd sire. His first five progeny were unbeaten in class and won every division at the 2007 World Beef Expo. His daughter, Sunnybrook Tequila, was Reserve Grand Champion to Sunnybrook Elaine. His calves have placed at the top of very competitive all breed shows and earned the admiration of many all breed judges. At 3.5 years of age he succumbed to a pasture injury and will continue his legacy with a limited supply of semen.

Show Dam of the Year
Uphill Eleanor 18740B, bred by Jonathan Kagan, Clinton Corners, NY is sired by Eastwood Baxter out of Bur-Mer-Abby. Eleanor, owned and shown by Steve Willis, Sunnybrook Farms, Belveidere, IL; is a very correct, deep bodied cow. She had a successful show career as a heifer at the Ohio Beef Expo, World Beef Expo, and NAILE. Her first bull calf was Grand Champion Bull at the Georgia State Fair. Her second calf, Sunnybrook Elaine, is the 2007 Show Female of the Year. Her third calf, Sunnybrook Remington, was Bull Calf Champion at World Beef Expo in 2007. Elaine and Remington are unbeaten as Produce of Dam.

Breeder of the Year
Driftwood Plantation, SC, stretches pastureland, pinewoods, and wildlife areas along the salt marsh inside the barrier islands of South Carolina low country a few miles up the coast from Charleston. Thomas E. and Sue Drew,  along with Manager Keith Jones, have been breeding quality Belted Galloways for 10 years. The cowherd consists of approximately 80 brood cows, which calve primarily in the fall months. Their main goal is to produce sound, productive females and supplying herd sire prospects that are of high quality conformation and progressive genetics to other breeders. Driftwood again earns the honor of Breeder of the Year in 2007 by producing animals shown or bred by Driftwood throughout the show circuit.

Exhibitor of the Year
Anderson Hill Farm is located in the Green Mountains of central Vermont, where the rugged terrain seems to suit the needs of Belted Galloway cattle. Established in 1977, with a handful of domestic stock, they soon evolved into a serious breeding farm stating ‘The acquisition and importation of a bull and 5 heifers from Scotland and England in 1988 was the beginning of our desire to breed the best.  Since then, we have purchased the breeding rights to 2 more bulls, who still reside there.’   
   We asked them about their goals as breeders of Belted Galloway cattle. They replied, ‘Our breeding practices are aimed at producing cattle we are proud of. To accomplish this, we visualize a carcass and work backwards from there. What does this carcass need? How can we achieve the results we desire? The answers vary, however with the consultation of Matt, from Purdue University, the advise from Vance, our show specialist,  the experience of Mike, Josh, Terry, Josh and Bruce, the "hands on" crew, along with the knowledge of Bob, and the drive and resources of the farm owner, Dick Anderson and his son, Cass, we have assembled a team that has one common goal, "The Quest for the Best".’

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has graciously lent his support to the recovery of an ancient breed of native cattle. Once commonplace, the Riggit Galloway had almost disappeared, having been left in the sidelines of modern cattle breeding. This is set to change with the formation of The Riggit Galloway Cattle Society, which is committed to protecting and promoting this handsome type of cattle.

The Riggit, whilst sharing most characteristics of the more common Black, Dun, Belted and White Galloways, is easily distinguished by its striking white dorsal stripe. The main body color is usually black, but there are several duns, and very occasionally red Riggit animals.

 Quickthorn, a black Riggit bull.

Over a period of several decades, Riggit Galloways were only seen as occasional throwback calves, born when the right combination of old Galloway lines were bred together. Often, this was after the accepted common use of a Black Galloway bull, on specific White Galloway female lines.  These calves were rarely retained, as they simply didn’t ‘fit the mould’.

  Black Riggit calf born 2007.

Happily, during the 1980s a group of Scottish cattle farmers, including the late Flora Stewart, agreed to keep and breed pure Riggit-marked Galloways once more. One of this group, Society President John Corrie of Kirkcudbright says, ‘It was a privilege to have been instrumental in saving the Riggit Galloway, and it is fantastic that several new breeders have taken up their cause’.

Prompted by a small group of devotees, who met after the Castle Douglas bull sale in October 2006, the Society was formed at an inaugural meeting in February 2007. Breeders and enthusiasts arrived from as far afield as West Cornwall, Scotland, the Midlands, and the New Forest.

The Society was subsequently given the very considerable honour of being granted the Patronage of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Well known for his interest in for both rare native breeds of livestock, and the extensive production systems common to most Galloway cattle breeders, the support offered by His Royal Highness has encouraged the Society to further its efforts.

During the summer of 2007, Registration Secretary, Anne Bell, of Southwick, Dumfries, began recording the lineage of the cattle bred by the original group in the 1980’s, as foundation stock in a herd book. Mrs Bell’s interest in Riggits started in 2000 with the birth of a stunning Red Riggit heifer calf, ‘Hawthorn’  pictured with her bull calf in 2005, to registered White Galloway parents. ‘She is such a beautiful beast, I had to try and breed some more’ enthuses Mrs Bell.

At the same time, several herds that have obtained fresh blood, using Riggit bulls on solid coloured Galloways, have been inspected. John Hodge, of Okehampton, Devon, has carried out the inspections. Mr Hodge, who has a lifetime of experience breeding and judging Galloway cattle, says ‘We’ve been keen make sure that we’re not just selecting the best marked cattle, but also that they’re of the hardiest type, as the Galloway should always be able to do well on unimproved and hill ground’.

Finished steers from Riggit Galloways have been producing excellent carcases. Breeder Tim Oliver, of Great Whittington, Northumberland, who also retails Galloway beef, says ‘We have found the Riggits are killing out very well. As well as being easy to rear, they’re a butcher’s dream’.

The future looks very much brighter for the Riggit Galloway than it has for many years.

Membership of The Society can be either as a full member for those interested in breeding Riggits, or an associate, to follow the breed’s success through a regular newsletter.
____________________
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Riggit Galloway Cattle Society can be contacted through:
Mr. Anton Coaker, Secretary Tel no. 01364 631276
Mrs .Anne Bell, Registration Secretary Tel no. 01387 780206
Via the website www.riggitgallowaycattlesociety.co.uk.

The A.H. Chatfield, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by members of the Belted Galloway Society in memory of A.H. Chatfield, Jr. of Rockport, ME.  Mr. Chatfield’s Aldermere Farm provided much of this country’s foundation breeding stock. He spent 50 years raising Belted Galloways, preserving and promoting the breed.

It is that time of year to announce the availability of applications for the A. H. Chatfield, Jr., Memorial Scholarships for 2008. Interested applicants may request application forms from Secretary, Laura Glassmann (717) 677-9755 or beltiecows@aol.com.

The recipients must meet the following criteria:  

                1.  Be a member of the Beltie Youth Group, the Belted Galloway Society Inc., or a child or grandchild of a BGS member;

                2.  Be a graduating high school senior, a college student, or be enrolled in an advanced education program; and

                3.  Submit the completed application form along with a written essay explaining why he/she is the best possible candidate for the scholarship. Added consideration will be given to applicants enrolled in beef production or in animal/agriculture related courses, and those experienced with Belted Galloway cattle. Extracurricular and out-of-school activities will also be taken into consideration.

Use the letter U as the official Year Code when tattooing animals born in 2008. The letter T applies to animals born in 2007. 

World Galloway Congress in New Zealand
2008 World Galloway Congress 
Auckland, New Zealand 
February 29-March 6, 2008
Contact Barry McAlley 0064 9 2928652 or bmcalley@xtra.co.nz

18th National Belted Galloway Sale
Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Fryeburg, ME. 
Contact Brud McCabe (802) 748-5107 (VT), (603) 694-2101 (NH), (603) 694-2103 (Fax) or nwgrange@fairpoint.net.

Spring Council Meeting 
April 25-27 at Fryeburg, ME.
Contact Laura Glassmann (717) 677-9655 or beltiecows@aol.com.

Secretarial Office Phone Hours ...
Phone hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (EST). A detailed message may be left at any time. 
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