On The Farm
Bottomhouse Belted Galloways (Belties)
History of the Belted Galloway Cattle
Galloway cattle are an ancient breed of cattle probably derived from Celtic stock.
Like most native breeds they respond well to non-intensive production methods and are generally very hardy.
There were special prizes for Belted Galloways at the South Tyne Agricultural show around 1865, almost 60 years before the breed society even existed.
The breed society was established in 1921. It now has members all over the world with a pedigree sale every October at Castle Douglas.
During the foot and mouth epidemic many herds were lost, bringing great demand for the breed.
Our first Belted Galloway was purchased in November 1995 from Dumfries in Scotland and made for an unusual sight in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
12 months later a second Beltie was purchased from the society sale at Castle Douglas. This was to be the start of the Bottomhouse herd of Belted Galloway cattle.
Our first cow to calve had a red and white calf. At this stage we were new to the job and we didn't realise there were three colours: the black and white, red and white and the dun and white, but we soon learnt! We now have a selection of black and white and dun and white .
We get great pleasure out of our cattle, as do many of our guests.
Moorlands Poultry Supplies
Rare Breed Poultry, Housing and Equipment
As well as the farm, a great deal of our time is spent running Moorlands Poultry Supplies which we set up three years ago and has blossomed into a thriving business.
With a wide range of poultry housing, feeders and drinkers as well as rare breed poultry and eggs, we now supply to customers all over the country through our website www.moorlandspoultry.co.uk.
Look out for our stand at smallholder shows throughout the summer and don't forget, as a guest, you get to taste the freshest eggs every morning for breakfast!
Bottomhouse Texels
The History of the Texel Sheep
The Texel Sheep originates from the Island of Texel, one of the north-western islands off Holland where it has been known since Roman times.
About 1933, the Texel was introduced to France and has since become established, particularly in the northern provinces.
In 1970, the first Texels were introduced to the United Kingdom. The verdict was that the Texel excelled in carcass quality and in particular, in lean meat yield.
The Bottomhouse Texel flock was formed in 1982 building up over the years to 30/35 flock ewes.
Reared at 1200 feet they are hardy and exceptionally thrifty.
Our flock is M.V. Accredited, Flock code MNS, MLC Recorded and Scrapie Monitored
It is a family enterprise here at New House Farm and at show time everyone is involved. The boys halter and walk the sheep, getting ready for the big day in the show ring. If you are placed in the final line up and lucky enough to receive a prize it is an extra bonus; if not, it's a great day out meeting old and new friends.
Early spring is one of our busiest times as the first of the lambs are born and we keep our fingers crossed for favourable weather.
Summer and early autumn is another busy time, getting stock ready for the Pedigree Sales, dipping, washing, keeping a check on the weights and on the day hoping you will get a good price for the stock that you have worked so closely with over the last few months.
Each August the cycle starts again when we start looking for a stock ram. In September the ram is put to the ewes and in February lambs start arriving once again.
Do we have a show team for the new season?