Fred Zehetner began breeding Galloways ten years ago. Before that, he and his sister ran a butcher's shop which they had inherited from their father. Fred's long-time dream came true when in 1989 he leased his first farm of 14 ha.

Since 1994 rigorous selection of animals is the order of the day on the BOA Farm. The farm keeps exact records of weights and measurements, and only breeds from the very best animals. Daily weight gain, good legs, character and type are all equally important. A good eye for cattle, excellent sources of information, and good breeding animals from colleagues all over the world are the reasons that the BOA Farm is the most successful cattle farm in Austria.

The success of the BOA Farm is due to many factors. At this point, Fred expresses thanks to W.J. and C.S.R. Christie of Lochdochart, Robert Ballantyne of Diamond B Ranches, John and Lee McIlwraith of Glenfiddich Farms, and Merlin and Jane Bradley of Globex Galloways.

Fred leases four farms with a total of over 90 ha. They own 60 breeding cows (40 Galloway Stud Book cows and 20 Aberdeen Angus), and 30 Icelandic ponies.

Between 1996 and 1999 his Galloways won several first prizes and other places at shows despite the fact that the Canadian type is not yet greatly appreciated in Europe. The BOA Farm's animals are too big, too long and too heavy by European standards. In order to spread the word and make the Canadian bloodlines more widely known in Europe, Fred Zehetner travelled to Russia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Norway in 1998.

The high point of this promotional tour came when the bull 'Best of Canada' (sire, Diamond B Lincoln; dam, Diamond B Desiree 2Y) became highest selling bull at the 25th anniversary show of the German Galloway breeders.

Fred Zehetner is the spokesman for the Upper Austrian Galloway Breeders and the Vice President of the Austrian Galloway Association. Galloways and marketing are his main concerns at all times.

More information can be found at <www.galloway.at>.