Our black and white belted cows are Belted Galloways, a rare breed of Scottish beef cattle that was introduced to the United States back in the 1950s.  In the early 1980s, RB Fitch brought a herd of six Belties from Vermont to Fearrington, and the rest is history! There are now over thirty Belties grazing our rolling pastures. The Belties' sole purpose is to greet village guests and coax a smile or two.

Fearrington Farm Managers Robert Flynn and Bob Strowd regularly show our cattle at state and national venues. These include the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, and the North American International Livestock Exposition held in Louisville, KY - the largest all-breed, purebred livestock competition, with 20 breeds of cattle competing! Awards earned by our Belties can be found below.
 

2009 North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) Awards
Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Alfalfa
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair - Fearrington Zena and Fearrington Butterfly
First Place Ribbons - Fearrington Zena, Fearrington Butterfly, Fearrington Alfalfa, Driftwood Tara
Second Place Ribbons - Fearrington Zeta, Fearrington Baby Girl

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 North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) Awards
Second Place Ribbons - Fearrington Jamie 
Second Place Ribbons - Fearrington Weekend Girl
First Place in Senior Bull Calf Class - Fearrington Xavier
Reserve Champion in Division - Fearrington Xavier
Third Place - Fearrington Vortex

2009 NC State Fair Winners
Reserve Grand Champion Heifer - Fearrington Zena
Reserve Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Alfalfa
Champion Heifer - Fearrington Butterfly
Junior Champion Bull - Fearrington Alfalfa
Reserve Senior Champion Heifer - Fearrington Zena
Reserve Senior Champion Bull - Fearrington Xavier  

2008 NC State Fair Winners
Grand Champion Bull - Fearrington Xavier
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 Xavier
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

We receive countless questions about our Belted Galloway cows. Below we have answered those that we hear most often.

Can I bring my family to Fearrington just to see the cows?
By all means - stop by and feel free to snap a few photos of our adorable bovine, but we know once you are here you'll find you just have to stay longer!

Will I find Belted Galloway dishes on your menus?
Not at all!  The Belties are beef cattle, but our herd is strictly here to make visitors smile.  

Do the cows get too hot out in the sun?
No. Their hardy double coat of hair provides protection against the elements. We also provide cow showers for their comfort.

Who takes care of the Fearrington Belties?
Long-time Farm Managers Robert Flynn and Bob Strowd care for our prized herd. We are honored that Robert is Vice President of the national Belted Galloway Society.

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

Where are the Belties from originally?
Early records indicate that Belted Galloways developed during the 16th century in the former Galloway district of Scotland, a rugged and hilly seacoast region where hardiness is necessary for survival.

When were the Belties introduced to Fearrington?
A herd of six Belted Galloways were introduced to Fearrington in 1982.  The pastures are now home to a herd of over thirty Belties.

Are the stripes painted on the Belties?
Yes, we are asked this question frequently. No, they are actually born with their belts. Our Farm Managers have worked hard over the years to perfect the cattle's belts through selective breeding, resulting in many championship titles.