Native Breeds

From farm to fork we are passionate about about producing only the best...

At Glebe Farm we are passionate about working with only Native Breed cattle on our farm. All cuts of meat supplied by ourselves are from our homegrown Dexter & Irish Moiled Cattle. Our cattle thrive on a diet solely made up of luscious grass on our farm in Limavady. 

We love both breeds, and equally they have some amazing traits. The Dexter's are little cows with large personality's. The Moilies are docile and gentle making them a dream to work with. 

The Irish Moiled cattle breed are one of the oldest surviving indigenous breeds, and they are the oldest surviving domestic livestock native to Northern Ireland. The breed are dated back to 640 A.D.

In the late 1970s, the numbers began to rapidly decline to only 30 breeding pedigree females and 2 bulls. In 1979, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust recognised the breed as endangered and they were placed on the critical list. Down to the work of passionate, and hard working breed enthusiasts they were slowly able to revive the breed numbers, which over a period of time increased significantly. 

The Dexter breed originated back in Ireland in the early 1840's. Similar to the Irish Moiled, Dexter's also went through a difficult time close to extinction in the 1970's. The breed became endangered, as more farmers moved into commercial breeds of cattle such as Angus. This was because these breeds could be intensively farmed, increased yields, and finished faster.

However, the Dexter's have made a great comeback in recent years, endorsed by chefs globally, and the farmers complimented on the exceptional flavour of the meat. We are lucky, that our breeds are well suited to the climate on the North Coast of NI - some may say not so lucky but with plenty of rainfall makes for perfect luscious grass which our cattle simply thrive on without the need to be fed on any additional grain's etc. 

Dexter's are definitely, a slow maturing breed of cattle, but the end product is worth the wait. The flavour is simply next to none, with the intricate marbling just melting away as you cook, creating a divine flavour.

We are so lucky, and proud to have these special breeds as part of our story on the farm. By choosing to buy traditional beef, not only are you supporting your local farmers but you are preserving the future for these rare breed cattle. Let alone the impeccable flavour which is second to none. Taste the difference for yourself and you won't look back. 

When collecting your beef from our farm, you will have the opportunity to see our cattle. This just gives you another insight, and reassurance so you know exactly where your produce is coming from.