What do we mean by traditional breeds?
Galloway Cattle
Blue Grey Cattle
Traditional breeds of cattle, for the purposes of the Drovers Project, were those native breeds which have had a long association with the landscape of the Northumberland National Park. Traditional breeds of cattle have been kept on Northumbrian hill farms for many generations and due to their own distinctive appearance, contribute to the local distinctiveness of the area. These cattle are hardy and are well suited to living outside all year round, thriving on some of the least nutritious vegetation which makes them ideal for the rough grassland habitats of the uplands of Northumberland National Park. Such breeds include the Galloway, Blue Grey, Shorthorn and other traditional breeds targeted by the Drovers Project
Decline in popularity of traditional cattle breeds
During the past fifty years there has been a dramatic decline in the number of farmers keeping these traditional cattle due to a number of factors. Changing trends in beef production, changing consumer demands and new legislation are just some of the aspects leading to the decline in traditional breeds of cattle and increased interest in continental breeds such as Charolais, Limousin and Simmental. The traditional native breeds of cattle thrive on poor vegetation and require less in the form of supplementary inputs which have become a more important element of beef production. The continental breeds which are currently popular provide a leaner carcass. This suits consumer demands for lean beef products and these continental breeds of cattle can be matured in a shorter time than the traditional breeds which fits in with the Government requirements of the Over Thirty Months Scheme introduced following the BSE crisis. Factors such as these have meant that traditional cattle have become less viable in the current farming climate.
Revival of traditional breeds?
Despite the long term trend of a decline in popularity of traditional cattle breeds, interest in these breeds still exists with some farmers still choosing to produce them. This interest may well increase, due to changes to the agriculture industry.
The Mid Term Review of the Common Agricultural Policy and the resultant Single Payment Scheme, alongside the shake-up of agri-environment schemes – particularly the introduction of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme this year – meant that traditional cattle might once again be a viable commercial option. The lower input requirement of traditional breeds of cattle might help to ease the financial losses when production-related support is replaced by the Single Payment Scheme, whilst their contributions to nature conservation management and local distinctiveness might be recognised by the Higher Level Stewardship.
Related Links
The following links to breed societies for breeds targeted by the Drovers Project add more detail to the information here:
