It all started when my son, Riley wanted to raise cattle for FFA. I grew up raising a few cows each year to help pay for our school clothes and we had done some Herefords with our oldest son when he was in FFA. At the time, we were living in a neighborhood and didn't have any space for cattle! He had done an extensive amount of research and had fallen in love with the Galloway breed, one of the few heritage breeds left. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, this breed is known for their foraging ability, they are a hardy breed for cold weather, and eat less than commercial beef breeds. They were a bit smaller, mild tempered, and rarely need assistance calving due to naturally low birthweight calves. Riley was completely convinced that Galloways were the only cows for us!
Though the breed is fairly rare in America, he located a breeder just 40 minutes from us, right here in Idaho! Jim Grant had been raising Galloway Cattle since 1967, and had produced the most famous Galloway Bull in the country... Moto Moto, whose genetics live on to this day, Click HERE to read more. Riley and his friend begged us to hop in the car and go take a look at these curly haired wonders! We told him if he would find a pasture to lease, we would go look. He hopped on his bicycle and rode all over town, stopping to knock on every door with an empty pasture next to the house. He lucked out and found an older gentleman who was caring for his granddaughters horse. He told Riley that if we would provide hay for the horse over the winter, he could keep 3 cows in his pasture. Done!
Riley and his dad showed up at Jim's door and Riley explained his need for a Galloway herd of his own. Jim was so gracious and willing to help Riley start his herd. He gave him a great deal on 3 bred heifers who were later lovingly labeled, Betsy, Lil' Mama, and Black Bitty. They were all bred to a big red, super curly bull who looked more like a buffalo than any cow I had ever seen!
Here they are, they day we brought them home:
And that is how it all began! I had grown up with Holsteins and it didn't take long for me to fall in love with these adorable, fluffy cows!
Though the breed is fairly rare in America, he located a breeder just 40 minutes from us, right here in Idaho! Jim Grant had been raising Galloway Cattle since 1967, and had produced the most famous Galloway Bull in the country... Moto Moto, whose genetics live on to this day, Click HERE to read more. Riley and his friend begged us to hop in the car and go take a look at these curly haired wonders! We told him if he would find a pasture to lease, we would go look. He hopped on his bicycle and rode all over town, stopping to knock on every door with an empty pasture next to the house. He lucked out and found an older gentleman who was caring for his granddaughters horse. He told Riley that if we would provide hay for the horse over the winter, he could keep 3 cows in his pasture. Done!
Riley and his dad showed up at Jim's door and Riley explained his need for a Galloway herd of his own. Jim was so gracious and willing to help Riley start his herd. He gave him a great deal on 3 bred heifers who were later lovingly labeled, Betsy, Lil' Mama, and Black Bitty. They were all bred to a big red, super curly bull who looked more like a buffalo than any cow I had ever seen!
Here they are, they day we brought them home:
And that is how it all began! I had grown up with Holsteins and it didn't take long for me to fall in love with these adorable, fluffy cows!
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