Glamorgan Cattle - Origins and Provenence

Origins and Provenence

The breed was once common in the counties of Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon, but was reputedly only rarely to be seen west of the River Dulais. The cows were reputed to be very good milkers, producing high butterfat milk, and were held in high regard by the English King George III who had a herd of them on his farm in Windsor. He also used Glamorgan oxen for farm work. The breed was not esteemed for its ability to produce high yields of beef, although it did not lack in quality.

During the nineteenth century it became increasingly common to cross Glamorgan cattle with other breeds such as Hereford cattle, Ayrshire cattle, and Shorthorn cattle. The crossing improved the beef yield, although some would maintain that this was at the expense of quality.

In time, the breed would almost disappear due to crossbreeding and farmers selling their herds to buy Hereford cattle or Shorthorn cattle. Today a herd can be seen at Margam Country Park in Neath Port Talbot.