Belted Galloway Cows
Our black and white "Oreo cows" are Belted Galloways, a rare breed of Scottish beef cattle that were introduced to the United States back in the 1950's.  In the early 1980's, RB Fitch brought a herd of 5 Belties from Vermont to Fearrington, and the rest is, as they say, history!  There are now over 30 Belties grazing the rolling pastures at Fearrington Village. Our Belties' sole purpose is to greet their many village guests and coax a smile (and a picture or two!)

Beltie Image Gallery
 

Shop For Belties Online!
Order your very own "oreo cow" from Fearrington's online Beltie Shop.  These adorable stuffed cows, available in 4" and 6" versions, not only look cute but moo too! Other Beltie inspired items include T-shirts, golf balls, magnets, and aprons.  Visit our Beltie Shop>>

 

National Honors For Our Belties!
Fearrington Farm Managers Robert Flynn and Bob Strowd have just returned from the 2008 North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, KY, where top awards went to Jamie, a two and a half year old female, and her calf Alfalfa, a rare dunn-colored calf born this May. NAILE is the  largest all-breed, purebred livestock competition with 20 breeds of cattle competing!

2008 North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) Awards
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair - Fearrington Jamie & Fearrington Alfalfa
Division First Place Cow/Calf Pair - Fearrington Jamie & Fearrington Alfalfa

2007 NAILE Awards
Second Place - Fearrington Jamie 
Second Place - Fearrington Weekend Girl
First Place in Senior Bull Calf Class - Fearrington Xaviar
Reserve Champion in Division - Fearrington Xaviar
Third Place - Fearrington Vortex

The North Carolina State Fair
Our beloved Belted Galloways have become regulars at The North Carolina State Fair, held each October in Raleigh, NC. Each year they make us very proud! Our pampered pets have received the following prizes:
 

2008 NC State Fair Winners
Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Xaviar
Reserve Champion Bull - Fearrington Alfalfa
Grand Champion Heifer - Fearrington Jamie
Reserve Champion Heifer - Fearrington Absolute

2007 NC State Fair Winners
Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Vortex
Reserve Champion Bull - Fearrington Xaviar
Grand Champion Heifer - Fearrington Weekend Girl
Reserve Champion Heifer - Fearrington Zena

2006 NC State Fair Winners
Grand Champion Heifer - Fearrington Weekend Girl
Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Vortex
Reserve Champion Heifer - Fearrington Windchimes
Division Champion - Fearrington Venus

Our grand selection of trophies and rosettes are on display at The Old Granary Restaurant - stop by and see why the State Fair and NAILE judges loved our cows as much as we do!

Frequent Beltie Cow Questions:
Can I bring my family to Fearrington just to see the cows?
By all means - stop by for a few photos with our adorable bovine, but we know once you are here you'll find you just have to stay longer! Don't forget to look for our Belted Tennessee Fainting Goats and Donkeys while you are here.

Will I find "Belted Galloway" on your menus?
Not at all!  The Belties are beef cattle but the members of our herd are pets strictly for your enjoyment.  

Do the cows get too hot out in the sun?
No - The hardy Belted Galloways' double coat of hair provides protection against the elements.  (We also provide cow showers for our 5 star bovine).

Who takes care of the Fearrington Belties?
Farm Managers Robert Flynn and Bob Strowd take great pride in caring for our prized herd.  They are our pets and receive the utmost care.

Do Fearrington Belties ever make special appearances?
Absolutely - you will see our Belties strut their stuff every October during the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.

Are any of the Belties prizewinners?
Yes, the Fearrington Herd has a few very special prizewinners including Venus, our Reserve Grand Champion Heifer!

Where are the Belties from originally?
The Belted Galloway's first recorded history indicates that they developed during the 16th Century in the former Galloway district of Scotland, a rugged and hilly seacoast region where hardiness was necessary for survival.

When were the Belties introduced to Fearrington?
A herd of 5 Belted Galloways were introduced to Fearrington in 1981.  The pastures are now home to a herd of 35 belties.

Are the stripes painted on the Belties?
Yes, we are asked this question (frequently), but no, they are actually born with their belts.                    

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
We are working with the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy to encourage the thoughtful restoration of rare breed livestock. For more information about the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, contact them at: P.O. Box 477 Pittsboro, NC 27312. (919) 542-5704.