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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen Agriculture, 2003-03-19, Page 43Raising prize-winning Galloways Family affair Marie Blake and her family of Grey Ward, Huron East, help her father Clayton Salter breed and show prize-winning Galloways. (Janice Becker photo) By Janice Becker Citizen staff When it comes to farming, Clayton and Kathy Salter and Greg and Marie Blake keep it all in the family. While Clayton is on the road “We uc ken at quvt wwiu ttect 7977 Doug * Steve - Jim ~ Mark ~ Neil DALE PUMP & FARM SERVICE Pumps & Pipe Lines - Water Conditioners Water Installations ~ Backhoe Service Full Line Hydraulic Hose and Fittings 5^ auzZw leedt, etM 482-3274 269 ONTARIO STREET (HWY. 8 EAST) CLINTON driving long-haul and Kathy winters in the States, daughter Marie manages the family’s herd of prize­ winning Galloways. “This herd has been showing at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for five years.” said Blake. “Before that, Galloways were just on display.” Her parents have owned Galloways for many years, said Blake, and she has been attending the fairs for 23 years. In 1997, the family had the opportunity to show-off the quality of their animals when declining numbers of other breeds at the Royal allowed inclusion of more exotic breeds. “It is the hair of their coats that makes them so unique,” she said. “Many like to put a bit of a cross in them to (better) show the coat.” Natives of Scotland, the Galloways are heavily-coated compared to many other North American breeds. Blake said the ease of feeding also makes them a good animal. With success in their first year of showing - joint premier exhibitor and grand champion female - Blake said breeding is the number one thing. “Good record confirms the animals and shows our stock. We look for good feet and legs, body proportion and meat and muscling.” That attention to breeding has paid off for the Salter/Blake herd as they have had top finishes each year. In the second, third and fourth year, they earned the reserve champion title and grand champion last year. “We were taken by surprise last year,” said Blake. “We knew we would do well, but not as big as we did.” The breeding lines have benefitted the family. The dame that won grand champion in 2002 was a past reserve champion yearling and her two-year- old won the cow/calf last year. However, success is always preceded by a lot of hard work. Each animal - they usually take 10 - has to be washed and groomed, before the show as well as the arduous undertaking of transporting them to Toronto. “Dad and I usually go and stay from Thursday to Monday. Everyone else comes on show day.” The interest in cattle and showing comes naturally to Blake. “I grew up Looking after the financial needs of our area farming community for over fifty years Head Office, Clinton 48 Ontario Street, Clinton 482-3466 with it and it’s something I always wanted to do. Showing is in my blood.” Blake has passed on that love to her three daughters who have also begun to show in the junior classes at local fairs and in the showmanship class after the Royal. The competition is supported by the Galloway Association and ensures that all showers are rewarded for their efforts. “The youngest helped show a cow/calf at the Royal which won first place and the older girls independentsly show calves locally. The experience is very worthwhile for the kids.” The children also learn about the realities of raising cattle. The winning two-year-old and a yearling /--'MORTGAGES^ LOANS'"^ * Ui I mil ^OPERATING LOANS NISA ACCOUNTS Heartland® Community Credit Union Limited at Where Membership Makes the Difference Ask for one of our Agricultural Specialists Exeter Branch 118 Main Street, Exeter, 235-0640 www.heartlandcommunitycu.on.ca heifer were sold to a couple from Quebec. Though it was sad to see them go, Blake expects to see them back showing at the Royal. This exposure to wider markets is one of the main benefits of the show, said Blake. “You get to be known. People see what you have.” This exposure has stretched beyond the Canadian borders, bringing interest from European breeders as well. “According to the Galloway Association, the Canadian bloodlines are the strongest. Everyone conscientiously takes care of the lines,” said Blake. That bloodline has now returned to its native home when four bulls were shipped to Scotland. From there, one ended up in Germany. Listowel Branch 161 Inkerman Street W. Listowel 291-6189