Belties

As soon as I saw a picture of a Belted Galloway, I knew I had to have one - just based on appearances alone. And after some research, I fell completely head over heels for this breed. Here's why:

Belted Galloway's - affectionately know as "Belties" - are famous for their Oreo-like appearance. Their coloring can however vary from the traditional black and white: common combinations include red or dur with a white belt as well as solid black. This Scottish/Dutch breed is known for their outstanding foraging capabilities, their hardiness and their ease in calving.

Originating from the rugged, hilly, sea coast of the British Isles, Belties are well suited for harsh conditions, with excellent foraging instincts and a shaggy second coat of hair that protects from the cold and damp of the winter. Due to their winter coat, Belties lack the common back fat layer for winter warmth. This lack of back fat leads to a more lean, flavorful meat with "carcass dressed weights well in excess of 60% - 62% of live weight" - US Belted Galloway Society.

A female Beltie can produce a healthy calf annual beginning from 14 months all the way into her late teen years. The ease in calving is due to the small size of the calves. Belties make excellent mothers and produce a large amount of extremely rich milk, contributing to very rapid growth in calves.

Other benefits include:

• The breed is very long lived, 17 to 20 years
• Males are naturally polled (hornless)
• Least amount of feed required for every pound of weight gained 

Belted Galloway's are considered a "thrifty" breed, excellent for beef herds... plus they are super adorable. I urge those considering raising beef to consider this breed!

Photo Credit:

Geograph

Drying Seed

It's almost November and Beardsley Community Farm's yarrow, tansy, purple coneflower and black-eyed Susans are still going strong (gotta love Tennessee weather). Unfortunately, our marigolds and sunflowers have seen better days and are on their way out of the soil and into our (now empty) greenhouse - there they'll dry. Once dried, we'll then extract their seed for planting next year.

Bean Harvest

After a bit of a late start, our heirloom and heritage breed beans finally dried so that we could harvest. Here they are - the fruits of our labor (an patience), a beautiful hodgepodge.

Mornings on the Farm

Before the stress of the day sets in, I've taken up surveying the half-acre around Beardsley's barn.  It's extremely peaceful and allows me time to reflect as well as helps me notice the slight progressions of the season. This morning, collards glazed in dew, aging bird house gourds, and a luffa blossom, still furled from the night before, were particularly eye-catching.

 

Liquid Gold

My first ever honey harvest!