The Origin of Heritage Breed Beef: A Story Worth Savouring

When I sit down to enjoy a good meal, I often find myself wondering about the journey my food has taken to reach my plate. With heritage breed beef, that journey is particularly special. It’s more than just beef; it’s history, tradition, and a way of farming that connects us back to the land.

Heritage breeds, such as Longhorns, Galloways, Shorthorns and Highlands, once formed the backbone of British farming. Hardy and well-suited to our climate, they were prized not only for their resilience but also for the outstanding quality of their meat. Sadly, as farming became more industrialised, many of these breeds fell out of favour in exchange for faster-growing, more commercial cattle. In the process, much of the depth of flavour and natural diversity we once enjoyed was lost.

For us, heritage breed beef is about keeping those traditions alive. Our cattle are slow reared on natural pastures, grazing outdoors just as they were meant to. This slower pace of farming results in beef that is beautifully marbled, tender, and full of character. Every bite tells a story, one that’s rich, honest, and deeply satisfying.

If you’ve visited our turkey farm in Cookham recently, you may have spotted a herd of Galloway cattle grazing in the cherry orchards. We’ve had cattle on the farm since we first began farming all those years ago, and that heritage runs deep in our family. Great Grandpa Tom Copas was exceptionally keen on the Highland cattle breed and would travel the country proudly showing his animals. Today, it feels the right time to share that tradition with you.

The Galloway is one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world. Smaller than most commercial cows, they produce beef with a superior texture and flavour. Known for its tender bite and rich, complex taste, Galloway beef is perfect for those seeking premium meat from sustainable, pasture-based farming with the highest standards of animal welfare.

At Copas Farm Shop, our heritage breed cattle, such as Galloways and Shorthorns, are pasture-reared and dry-aged for at least 28 days. This patient, traditional method allows the flavours to deepen and develop, giving you beef that is second to none. For those who love variety, our Regular Beef Box offers a hand-picked selection of premium dry-aged cuts, all pasture-grazed on the farm and matured for a deeper, fuller flavour.

You can explore our full range of dry-aged heritage beef and here: https://copasfarmshop.co.uk/premium-meat/beef/

Heritage breed beef isn’t just about looking back at tradition, it’s about shaping a better future for farming, food and the countryside. Once you’ve tried it, we think you’ll agree this is a story worth savouring, and a flavour worth keeping alive.