Devon cattle had an early start here in the U.S., a shipment of “red cattle’ brought from England in 1623 was more than likely what we now call the “Devon” breed. The first Devon herd book in the states was begun in 1855 by Horace Sessions in Massachusetts with his last volume appearing in 1879. Two years later James Buckingham of Zanesville, Ohio began publishing the American Devon Record. That Devon registry has remained intact for 131 years! The herd book of the American Devon Cattle Association.

Ironically, the very success of the Devon was the reason for its decline. Devons are highly efficient convertors, which is a boon in a forage based situation but when placed in feed yards they can over fatten which affects red meat yields. Industrial agriculture particularly wanted a hot animal for finishing in the feedlot which could convert copious quantities of cheap grain into large amounts of red meat. Devons perform well in feed yard situations as far as producing high grading carcasses but cannot compete with larger framed continental influenced breeds in producing high yielding carcasses. Times have changed and consumers realize what Devon owners have known for centuries, Devon is the supreme beef breed for producing gourmet quality beef on moderate quality pasture.

Devons have numerous advantages in today’s agricultural industry that can put you ahead of the competition on multiple levels. Devons are first and always docile which can lead to higher gains and fewer problems from stress. Devons are inherently fertile, are generally moderate in size and when managed properly require few or no outside inputs. Devons are known for having small vigorous calves, produce some of the finest and highest grading beef in multiple production modes (excelling in forage based systems hence our motto: “Supreme Beef on Grass”) and can handle some of the most extreme climates from sweltering Texas summers to frigid Montana winters and many situations in between.

Please browse our site to find out more, if your interest is piqued but you still need more information feel free to contact any of our board members or a breeder near you and they would be happy to assist you further.

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