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Welsh Black Cattle are an ancient breed. A medium to large framed animal, Welsh Blacks are known for efficient grazing, hardy wintering and excellent mothering and milk production. Welsh Blacks winter well due to thick hides and copious hair, but can shed out and sail through summer heat as any other cow. Blacks are reported to have rumen capable of breaking down quite course fiber, which no doubt comes from their history of grazing rough Welsh terrain. In this way they can make good use of less than ideal pasture.

While being a lesser known breed, Welsh Black Cattle made headlines in 2002 when 12 top London chefs participated in a blind taste test of fillet steak from the world’s most famous beef breeds including Angus, Simmenthal, Charolais, Limousin and Salers. The Welsh Beef steaks emerged the winner, hands down (Hobby Farms, Feb 4, 2011). Tests in the UK suggest Welsh gain well, including good marbling, without having excessive back/outer fat. Due to their heritage as a dual purpose breed, Welsh Blacks have high butterfat milk in quantities that more than meet their calves’ needs.

Welsh Blacks have found a calling in commercial beef adding their traits to herds. Welsh make hardy crosses that can complement and improve many herds. That being said, many people are looking for beef cattle without the genetic pressure toward feedlot gains that US beef herds have undergone since the 1950s. Welsh Blacks still have their grazing gain traits and can thus be a good choice for those looking for grass fed beef options.