Longley Farm is in many ways a rare breed (ask anyone who works here and they will tell you we have our quirks!). We like to keep things as natural as possible, even if that means going the long way round to make a nice product, so it’s hardly surprising we have a soft spot for other rare and unusual creatures.

In June this year we were delighted to be able to support one such rarity when we sponsored the Whitefaced Woodland breed at the Harden Moss Sheepdog Trials. Like us, this breed originated in the Pennine Hills and they are also known as Penistones, after the town (just over the hill from us) where sheep sales have been held since 1699. 

If you happened to be at the Harden Moss Sheepdog trials this year, you may have tried one of the delicious Yorkshire Curd tarts made by Lizzie Large, one of the organisers of the event. These traditional treats can be found in many cafés and bakeries across England’s biggest and best county. As the only producer (as far as we know) of real Yorkshire Curd, chances are any tart you try will be made with our curd!

Our interest in rare breeds does not stop there. As well as our lovely Jerseys, we also have some Red Polls and Red Poll Jersey Crosses in our own herd. The Red Poll Cow is one of the traditional native British dual purpose breeds (beef & milk) and is a rare breed in the UK. It is naturally polled (hornless), docile and is noticeable by its deep red colour. 

A wide array of rare (and not so rare) breeds could also be found at this year’s Honley Show, which we were once again proud to sponsor. As well as our favourite rare breed of sheep, you could also find the Belted Galloway being showed by our very own Evie (one of our cheesemakers). The Belted Galloway comes originally from the harsh upland climate of the Galloway hills in south west Scotland, which explains why it has such a lovely fluffy coat!