Moyletra Moileds | Irish Rare Breed Beef | Beautiful Cattle and Beef

HERITAGE BEEF

OUR CATTLE

WAITING LIST

We're experiencing overwhelming demand for our beef, but due to limited Moilie numbers,it is challenging to keep up supply.

To secure your spot on our waiting list, please don't hesitate to drop us a message. We do advise, if you need Irish Moilied beef for a special occasion that six weeks notice will help prevent disappointment.

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“Irish Moiled cattle produce beef that's second to none. The fat marbling makes it a joy to cook and has unrivalled taste”

- Paula McIntyre MBE-
Chef, writer and ambassador for Taste Causeway

OUR STORY

THE FIFTH GENERATION

Our lineage here traces back to our Great Great Grandfather, Alexander Scott, who begin farming at Moyletra Kill, near Garvagh, in 1878. Irish Moiled Cattle were a feature on the farm up until the 1950s when they were supplanted by bulkier, higher milk-yielding continental breeds.

OUR FARM TODAY

We are proud to have one of the biggest herds anywhere and have over 100 happy moilies. Their wellbeing is paramount to us. Each of our moilies spend a minimum of 250 days freely foraging, roaming in the fresh air and sunbathing where they please. Their diet is mostly grass based with added nourishing foliage and hedgerows.

You can often catch sight of our magnificent moilies along the picturesque North Coast, frequenting the conservation sites of Benone, Castlerock, and Magilligan, as well as the serene Salt Marshes of the Roe Estuary.

NATURE FRIENDLY

As farmers, it is up to us to look after the land and preserve it for future generations while ensuring a healthy thriving ecosystem. Being nature-friendly is important to us. We're gradually transitioning our farm pasture to a biodiverse mix of native grasses and flowers. We have planted new hedgerows, created wider field borders and protected waterways and woodland. We are working on reducing pollutants on our farm. We have already reduced fertiliser usage and have lowered our slurry production . We are only beginning and there’s so much more we can do.

OUR FIRST LOVE AND MOILIE: HONEY

We've long held a fascination for native breeds, which led us to acquire our very first Irish Moiled cow, Honey, back in 2019. Honey isn't just a regal beautiful cow but also incredibly friendly. Her presence ignited a passion within us, sparking a mission to safeguard these remarkable animals from the brink of extinction.

A PREHISTORIC TREASURE

Irish Moileds stand as a living relic of ancient times, representing a breed of cattle with deep roots in Northern Ireland's history. Revered as the sole surviving native breed of the region, their origins trace back centuries, with references to 'red, white-backed cattle' echoing their presence as early as 640 A.D. Records also recount Viking raids, abducting herds of these distinctive cattle in tremendous quantities.

RARE AND ENDANGERED

Historically, Irish Moileds served as a versatile dual-purpose breed, renowned for their ability to yield quality milk and beef. They were once the cornerstone of farms across the region until the 1950s, when they gradually lost ground to larger continental breeds.

By 1979, the perilous decline of the Irish Moiled prompted the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) to designate them as ‘critically’ endangered. While efforts have been made to bolster their numbers, the breed still teeters on the brink of extinction, categorised as 'at risk.'

CONSERVATION CHAMPIONS

Irish Moiled cattle emerge as the epitome of conservation grazing. Beyond their picturesque appearance adorned with distinct markings, they boast a minimal environmental footprint. Thriving on modest terrains, they thrive without the need for extensive grain or concentrated feed. Their innate browsing instincts shine as they diligently overturn grass clumps in search of nourishing roots during snow, showcasing their adaptability to varied environments. Unlike other grazers, they exhibit a gentle nibbling behaviour, taking only what they need. Light-footed and mindful, they establish pathways, ensuring minimal disturbance to their surroundings.

BIODIVERSITY BOOSTERS

Through their diverse grazing habits and adept management of scrub, Irish Moiled cattle play a pivotal role in enhancing biodiversity. Their appetite for a wide array of vegetation helps open up areas, fostering the proliferation of flowering plants and promoting greater ecological diversity. We have found ours even enjoy a spikey bramble! By creating varied heights of foliage and exposing bare ground, they create ideal conditions for finer plants and flowers to flourish, ultimately expanding the habitat for a myriad of wildlife species. In essence, their grazing behaviours contribute significantly to the enrichment and sustenance of diverse ecosystems.

RESILIENT: DESPITE THE ODDS

Despite many challenges, the resilience of the Irish Moiled endures, embodying a rich tapestry of heritage and survival. Presently, there are approximately 2,000 breeding females, underlining the continued need for conservation efforts to safeguard this invaluable piece of agricultural heritage.

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

Irish Moiled cattle enjoy a diverse pasture-based diet and mature slower than commercial cattle, yielding beef that stands apart in terms of marbling and flavour.

It's this intricate marbling that lends our beef its exceptional quality. With a rich and robust taste, Moilie beef boasts a depth of flavour that requires no embellishments or added flavours. Simple cooking techniques suffice to elevate each meal to culinary excellence. From succulent steaks to tender shins, the unmistakable flavour profile of Moilie beef permeates through every cut, promising a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

UNWAVERING TRACEABILITY

Our commitment to quality extends to the traceability of our beef. All of our beef is derived from 100% Pedigree Irish Moiled cattle, with each Moilie's lineage documented back to their Great Grandparents and, in some cases, even further.

To ensure transparency and accountability, each animal is registered with the Irish Moiled Cattle Society, guaranteeing the authenticity and heritage of our product.

OPTIMAL HEALTH BENEFITS

Embracing grass-fed beef isn't just a culinary choice; it's a commitment to enhancing health and well-being. Packed with essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, and electrolytes, grass-fed beef offers a nutritional powerhouse that nourishes the body from within. Compared to conventional beef, it boasts higher levels of healthy fats and lower amounts of saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option.

Furthermore, grass-fed beef is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a vital fatty acid known for its role in preventing various diseases and conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

By incorporating grass-fed beef into your diet, you're not only treating your taste buds to unparalleled flavour but also reaping the myriad benefits for your overall health and vitality."

BETTER WELFARE, BETTER MEAT

Ensuring the happiness and health of our animals is paramount to us. We believe that stress has a direct impact on the quality of beef. That's why we prioritise creating a tranquil and natural environment. We make every effort to keep bonded groups together, understanding the detrimental effects of separation. Our commitment to minimizing stress not only promotes the well-being of our animals but also ensures superior beef quality.

HAPPY TO HELP

If you want to find our more about our moilies or our beef, please get in touch with us.

78 Kurin Road, Garvagh, BT51 5NT

Telephone 07775810253

Email moo@moilies.com

WELCOME TO MOYLETRA MOILEDS

“Our cherished farm is nestled in the heart of the stunning Causeway Coast. Here, our endangered Irish
Moiled cattle are our joy and passion. From our farm and conservation lands, we proudly produce delicious
beef, bringing the wholesome flavours of our heritage directly to your table.”

David & Sandra Scott

• IRISH RARE BREED BEEF •