East Anglian Belted Galloway Group 2022 Update

Farm Visit

2022 saw our first get together since 2019 with a farm visit in June to Andy and Rebecca Thornton’s Honeypot Belted Galloway herd at Manor Farm, Shropham in Norfolk.

The herd of Belted Galloways are performing a conservation grazing role on the farm which has undergone a transformation from intensive arable to organic grassland and lakeside glamping site. Over thirty beltie enthusiasts met up at the farm where Andy explained the changes being made on the farm and how the belties were an ideal match. This was followed by a visit to admire the herd, a demonstration of NoFence electronic cattle collars, and a walk around the farm and glamping site. The afternoon was rounded off by refreshments in the garden and a chance for everyone to have a good catch up. A big Thank you to Andy and Rebecca for hosting such a lovely afternoon out for everyone.

Members across the region and beyond attended the Royal Norfolk Show with a record 30 animals entered and 25 bought forward from Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Rutland and North Yorkshire, for judge Miss Liz Wilkinson to consider. This year’s Royal visitor to the Show was HRH The Princess Royal who came into the Belted Galloway ring during the final judging to meet the animals and competitors and discuss the merits of our favourite breed with our judge. Congratulations to Ben and Becky Burgess for being our 2022 Best of Breed Winner of the Christine Osborne Challenge Cup with their smart young bull Blackthorn Yeoman.

Shows

In 2022 the Aylsham Show at Blickling Hall in Norfolk also put on Beltie classes. Five breeders with 16 animals had entered the show with 14 animals bought forward from Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire, judged by Mr Robert Adams. Ben and Becky Burgess once again took the honours with Best of Breed Winner heifer Easton Grey Shining Bright. Great to see new breeders Harriet Borley and Adam Sarsby attending their first show, looking forward to seeing them with their animals in 2023, hopefully inspiring others to give the showing a go!

Belties were also in attendance in Native Classes in Suffolk and Lincolnshire and in 2023 there will be Belted Galloway classes, at the two day Suffolk Show in May.

 

Photo credits – Jeremy Perkins