Championing Heritage: Bere Mill’s Commitment to Native Breed Cattle

Native breed cattle play a crucial role in sustainable farming, offering a unique blend of resilience and adaptability that enhances biodiversity and promotes healthier ecosystems. These breeds, often well-suited to local climates and landscapes, contribute to the sustainability of farming practices by requiring fewer resources than commercial breeds.    Recently, the Rare Breed Survival Trust updated their native breed watch list, highlighting the ongoing need to protect these valuable genetic resources. This announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting farms like Bere Mill, which prioritise native breeds in their agricultural practices.

The Value of Native Breeds

Native breeds refer to traditional livestock varieties that have evolved over centuries to adapt to local environmental conditions. These breeds are invaluable for maintaining biodiversity and sustainability in agriculture. They often require fewer resources and are more resistant to diseases and extreme weather, compared to modern commercial breeds.    By supporting these traditional breeds, we ensure the protection of unique genetic traits and contribute to a more sustainable future in farming. Opting for meat from native breeds, like those raised at Bere Mill, supports this vital conservation effort and promotes the production of sustainable meat.

Belted Galloways – Our native breed of choice

At Bere Mill, our native breed of choice is the Belted Galloway, a breed with deep roots in southwestern Scotland’s Galloway region. Known affectionately as ‘Belties,’ these cattle are celebrated for their distinctive appearance and robust health. They thrive on coarse vegetation and are resistant to diseases, making them perfect for the challenging conditions of pasture-fed systems.    Historically favoured for their excellent maternal instincts and high-quality beef, Belted Galloways are now prized for conservation grazing, especially in areas like our own wetlands and river meadows. Their resurgence in popularity underscores a growing appreciation for sustainable and environmentally adaptive farming practices.

Bere Mill’s Sustainable Farming Practices

At Bere Mill, we’ve tailored our farming practices to support both the welfare of our native breed cattle and the health of our land. Our pasture-fed systems, focusing on Belted Galloways and crossed with Beef Shorthorn bulls, enhance the quality of the meat by allowing animals to grow at a natural pace. This method not only improves the taste and sustainability of the beef but also aligns with our ecological values.   Pasture-fed practices at Bere Mill prioritise animal welfare and environmental health, aligning with extensive research that highlights the benefits. Animals raised on pasture exhibit lower stress levels, enhanced fertility and longer lifespans compared to those in intensive systems. This approach not only yields higher quality meat but also supports ecological balance by promoting carbon sequestration in grasslands and minimising the carbon footprint of farming. By utilising the UK’s abundant grass resources effectively, Bere Mill reduces the need for imported feeds, fostering a more sustainable and locally-focused agricultural model.   The cattle graze on diverse pastures including water meadows and wildflower-rich grasslands, maintained under the DEFRA Environmentally Sensitive Areas scheme to promote biodiversity. In winter, to manage land responsibly, we use selective poaching, allowing only certain fields to be grazed heavily, thus preserving others. This approach ensures our cattle are raised in an environment that prioritises their well-being and the ecological health of the farm, producing beef that is not only superior in taste but also responsibly farmed.

Impact of the Rare Breed Survival Trust

The Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) plays a pivotal role in preserving the diversity of the UK’s native livestock breeds. As a guardian of genetic diversity, the RBST monitors and supports breeds that are at risk of extinction, integrating them into modern ecological projects and sustainable food strategies. The recent update to their watch list underscores the ongoing challenges and progress in breed conservation. For farms like Bere Mill, this list not only guides breeding practices but also enhances their contribution to biodiversity.   The RBST’s efforts include advanced technological projects like the British Lop Pig Project and educational initiatives aimed at equipping breeders with essential knowledge. By 2028, their goal is to stabilise all breeds listed on the watchlist, emphasising their economic, social and environmental significance. To support this cause, individuals can engage with RBST’s courses, contribute to conservation plans or participate in local preservation activities, playing a role in safeguarding our agricultural heritage.   The Belted Galloways, once classified as “at risk” on the RBST watch list, have seen a remarkable turnaround thanks to concerted efforts by the breed society, farmers, breeders and the RBST. These collective actions have led to a significant improvement in the breed’s status, moving them out of the risk category. Today, Belted Galloways boast a stable and sustainable breeding population, showcasing a successful example of conservation and breed management in action.

Benefits to Consumers and the Environment

Choosing meat from native breeds like those raised at Bere Mill not only supports traditional farming practices but also promotes environmental sustainability. These native breeds are typically raised on pasture rather than grain, leading to meat with higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and essential vitamins like A and E. By opting for Bere Mill’s products, consumers directly contribute to sustainable agriculture that prioritises animal welfare and environmental health, enhancing the nutritional value and ecological integrity of their meals.   Livestock must hold commercial value to encourage farmers to continue their upkeep and breeding. Choosing to consume meat from native breeds like the Belted Galloway actually contributes to their preservation. This seemingly counterintuitive approach ensures that these breeds continue to have economic value and are maintained by farmers, thus safeguarding them for future generations. This approach not only maintains agricultural biodiversity but also supports farmers dedicated to traditional and sustainable practices.   The Belted Galloway, known for its distinctive double coat that provides warmth in winter without the need for excess back fat, yields lean, high-quality meat. As public awareness grows regarding the benefits of sustainably produced, grass-fed beef, the demand for meats like those from Belted Galloways continues to increase, supporting sustainable farming practices.