A sleek BMW Z-4 zoomed by. An Acura TL followed it. But it was the hum of Bob Strowd's red, double cab Ford 250 that got the attention of the Belted Galloway cows at Fearrington Village. About a dozen of the cows, whose coloring makes them resemble Oreos, ran to the fence and called out to him with deep-voiced moos.

These lady cows aren't necessarily into Ford truck men. They knew breakfast was in the bed of that truck, and they were ready to eat.

As Fearrington's farm manager, Strowd is responsible for the meals, health, breeding and looks of the 42 cows. After all, the Belted Galloway is Fearrington Village's mascot and probably the most famous living lawn ornaments in Chatham County.

Strowd, 47, has been around bovines all his life. He was raised on his family's dairy farm, called Strowd Brothers Dairy Farm, next to Fearrington Village. Strowd, who started showing cattle in the fifth grade, was in charge of feeding and grooming the cattle.

His family still owns the farm, and his father runs an animal artificial insemination business.

Fearrington's land used to be farmed, too, but it is now home to a 1,200-acre subdivision along U.S. 15-501.

In 1998, Strowd was working at a grading company when Robert Flynn, a Fearrington construction project manager, invited Strowd to join him on a cattle-buying trip to Kentucky. While there, Flynn asked Strowd if he wanted to work for Fearrington developer R.B. Fitch and take care of the subdivision's cows.

At first, "I thought [the cows] were sort of funny looking," Strowd said of the Belted Galloways.

Strowd admitted he's an Angus cow kind of guy. The more popular breed, which is solid black, just seemed more normal-looking than cows that look like Oreos.

In the beginning, Strowd split his time taking care of the cows and building new homes in the village.

It's how he got to know most of Fearrington's residents. Driving through the neighborhood, he can point out who lives in almost every house.

He gets a kick out of Rebekah Almond and her 2-year-old daughter, Madelyn.

They come to see the animals almost every day and inevitably run into Strowd.

"This is our big form of entertainment," Almond said, pushing Madelyn in a jogging stroller.

"It's better than watching TV," Strowd said, bending down to say hello to Madelyn.

"Hello, sugar," he said.

Cash cows

The Belted Galloways came to Fearrington after an employee saw them and suggested to Fitch that he get some to graze on pastures in the neighborhood and be a symbol for Fearrington, Strowd said.

The branding seems to have worked. And the homeowners love the cows.

They have forbidden Strowd to sell the cows to butchers, he said. He can only sell to breeders.

In addition to their calling card status, the cows have also turned into cash cows.

Fearrington is now in the business of Belty breeding.

This time of year is breeding season, so after serving the cows breakfast last week, Strowd sat in his truck at the edge of the fence and took note of which ones were in heat.

"I just pick up on little things," he said. "They get wild-eyed."

Once the season starts, there is little rest. Last year, Strowd and his father inseminated 21 cows in 30 days. Eighteen had calves.

And like any obstetrician, Strowd is on call around the clock for calf deliveries.

Strowd buys semen from other Galloway breeders for artificial insemination. The village's three bulls take care of the cattle he misses, he said.

Working with Belted Galloways is a tough job because Strowd has to produce cows with the perfect white belt. If there is any flaw, like a dark birth mark in the belt, buyers don't want them, he said.

Late in the afternoon, Strowd delivers the cow's dinner. Usually, Strowd's 20-year-old son, Robert, helps out after his college classes.

These days, in addition to his regular duties, Strowd is helping draw up plans for a new cow barn on Fearrington's property. He hopes one day to have cattle sales and youth activities there, he said.

When he's not on the job, Strowd said he likes going out to eat with his family at none other than a local steak house.

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