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!).

State Fair Champions!
Fearrington Farm Managers Robert Flynn and Bob Strowd just returned from showing our beloved Belted Galloway's at the 2007 North Carolina State Fair Livestock Show, where they made us very proud! Our pampered pets received the following prizes:

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

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

2007 North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE)
First Place Heiffer Show - DP Sizzle 71R
Reserve Junior National Champion - DP Sizzle 71R
Second Place - Diamond B Jamie 
Second Place - Fearrington Weekend Girl
First Place in Senior Bull Calf Class - Fearrington Zaviar
Reserve Champion in Division - Fearrington Zaviar
Third Place - Fearrington Vortex

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.                    

Want Your Own Beltie?
Unlike the real thing - our Beltie stuffed cows don't require food, water, or trips to the vet! We also have Beltie t-shirts, golf items, cow cookie cutters, mugs, and hats available at The Belted Goat. Call 919.545.5717 for details.

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.