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Rare Breeds at Conygree
We keep traditional and rare breeds of sheep, pigs and cattle. Not only do they suit the conservation grazing requirements here at Conygree, but they make great tasting pasture fed meat with a valuable local heritage. We also want to help preserve the genetic diversity of breeds such as the Cotswold sheep, Traditional Hereford cow and Gloucester Old Spot pig.
Our Cattle - Traditional Hereford
We have a herd of 20 pedigree Traditional Hereford cows, plus youngstock.
These rare horned 'original population' cattle stem from the old bloodlines that formed the breed over 200 years ago, and developed into the modern Hereford we see today. There are only around 1100 registered females in the world. These fantastic native cows will raise their own calves and feed on our pastures, converting grass, wildflowers and herbs into the best tasting beef.
Our pasture fed cows spend all of their time outdoors in their natural environment. ​We calve in May and June, and run a natural family herd i.e. we not do wean calves from their mums.
Our Sheep - Cotswold
The Cotswold (or Cotswold Lion) is descended from the flocks that grazed the Cotswold hills in Roman times. Their long wool, known as the golden fleece, became a major export in the middle ages before their importance as a meat producer grew in the 19th century and rams were exported all over the world.
However, their popularity declined in the 20th century as new breeds developed and fashions changed, and by the 1960s only 200 pedigree ewes survived in the UK with the last breeding flock being farmed in Aldsworth, our local village, by the Garne family.
Today, the Cotswold is becoming popular again thanks to dedicated breeders although they are still classed as a rare breed with under 2000 ewes in the UK.
We have a flock of 50 pedigree Cotswold ewes for breeding here at Conygree - one of the biggest flocks in the country. We often use a Hampshire or Oxford Down ram to produce cross bred fat lambs.
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Our pasture fed ewes have been bred to be low input and hardy. We lamb naturally outdoors in the May sunshine.
Occasionally we have breeding cattle and sheep for sale
Our Pigs - Gloucester Old Spot
The Gloucestershire Old Spot pig originates from the Berkeley Vale, to the south of our county. It was usually kept in the cider and perry orchards of the area and on the dairy farms. Windfall fruit and waste from the dairies supplemented its grazing habit. Local folklore says that the spots on its back are bruises from the falling fruit. Besides its correct title and variations such as Gloster Spot or just Old Spot, the breed is also known as The Orchard Pig and The Cottager’s Pig.
They live outside throughout the year being tough and hardy, and hence suit extensive free range farms like ours, more than intensive systems. Old Spots are also quiet and a joy to keep.
The Gloucestershire Old Spot is a large meaty animal with a broad and deep body and large hams. Its white coat has large clearly defined black spots. They have a very fine carcass which produces top quality meat for all purposes including pork chops, roasting joints or sausages. Traditional meat of this quality is enjoyed by the more discerning public who want more than tasteless factory farmed pork.
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We rear 12 Old Spot or Old Spot cross 'weaners' each year.
