Henry Cavill, the Jersey-born actor best known for portraying Superman, has recently stirred up a bit of controversy with his enthusiastic praise for a breed of cattle that hails from outside his home island. While Cavill has long been an advocate for Jersey cows, known for their high cream yield, his recent remarks about the rubia Gallega—also known as the Galician blond—have caught the attention of both the Spanish press and his fellow Jerseymen.

During a trip to Spain last weekend, Cavill expressed his admiration for the Galician blond breed, calling it “the best meat in the world.” The actor, who has been a longstanding supporter of Jersey cows and their dairy products, appeared to have been won over by the tender, flavorful beef from the Spanish breed, which has become a staple in Galician cuisine. According to reports, Cavill went so far as to purchase 20 head of Galician blond cattle from José Antonio Ferreiro, a renowned breeder of the breed.

Cavill’s endorsement of the Galician blond has raised eyebrows back home in Jersey, where the local population is fiercely protective of their iconic Jersey cows. The breed is not only vital to the island’s agricultural heritage but also a key symbol of local pride. Jersey cows have long been celebrated for their high-quality milk and creamy products, making Cavill’s remarks about a foreign breed a bit of a delicate subject.

While his admiration for the Galician blond is hardly an attack on Jersey cows, it has nevertheless put him at the center of a lighthearted controversy. To praise a breed of cattle from another region—especially one as beloved as the Jersey cow—can feel like a betrayal to some, especially given the island’s longstanding agricultural and dairy traditions.

In Spain, however, Cavill’s affection for the Galician blond has been warmly welcomed. The rare breed, known for its muscular build and distinctive golden coat, has been increasingly recognized for its high-quality beef, and Cavill’s high-profile endorsement is seen as a major boost for the breed’s popularity. His purchase of 20 head of cattle has sparked interest in the breed, shining a much-needed spotlight on the traditional farming practices of the Galician region.

For Cavill, this is yet another example of how his down-to-earth interests and passions intersect with his celebrity status. Whether it’s his love of farming or his appreciation for quality meat, the actor has shown a willingness to support sustainable, heritage-rich industries, even when it means venturing beyond his island roots. However, whether this newfound affection for Spanish beef will win over his fellow islanders remains to be seen.

In the end, while Cavill may have professed his love for Spanish cattle, it’s clear that his heart—and much of his agricultural loyalty—remains deeply tied to his Jersey roots.