American Devon Cattle Association

Brisk sales, blue skies, a famous international guest, and the fellowship of breeders worked to make this year’s annual American Devon Cattle Association’s (ADCA) Great Event a huge success. Hosted September 23-26 in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains in New Paltz, New York, the event drew newcomers and association regulars from as far away as Texas. World-renowned Devon breeder and judge, Lisa Roper of Devon, England, was on hand as the ADCA Registered Pen Show judge. 


All came to learn, share breeding tips and information, and revel in the wonders of the Red Devon. Although a rare breed today in America’s beef industry, meat from the naturally grazing grass-fed Red Devons has one third the amount of omega 3 fatty acids (the “good” fat) of levels found in coldwater fish, while grain-fed beef contains none. Loaded with vitamin A&E-rich beta-carotene and cancer fighting conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), Devon cattle graze free, unlike grain fed breeds that claim to be organic but are not always allowed free range, are fed grains that are not always organic, and produce beef that is marbled but loaded in unhealthy saturated fats.

“The quality of the meat, the docility of the cattle, and the health benefits were what drew me to the Red Devon breed,” said Paul Colucci, home-state host and co-organizer of this year’s ADCA gathering. “The annual event helps to showcase the cattle and inform people interested in raising Devon about its great qualities.” Introducing newcomers to the breed is important, but so is the fellowship among breeders, according to Devon breeder Tim Henderson, who walked away with a truck full of awards including Grand Champion bull and Reserve Champion Heifer. “People coming to our Association events are going to be taken care of. We all help each other. If someone is unloading, someone else comes along and gives you a hand. We all share advice and welcome new people all the time. It’s just the way we are.”

The Great Event kicked off with the ADCA’s annual board meeting, held at the historic Mohonk Mountain House. Board members selected Frank Heeren to replace out-going president Charles Trantham. Trantham stepped down after a very successful 3-year run in the position that saw growth in both the size of the association and the sale of Devon cattle. Proud of his farm’s historic lineage— the first Devon came over with the Pilgrims— Trantham was happy to see Heeren take his place. “I’ve had a great run as president and Frank is the best person to take over.”

Manager of Preston Carlton’s Pitt Creek Ranch in Lampassas, Texas, Heeren has great hopes of spreading the word about Devons and increasing their value. “We’re going to try to ramp up our advertising, hopefully we can gain a lot of new members, and show the value of these Devon cattle to other breeders that are already in the industry,” said Heeren. “Whether it be that the Devon are grass fed or a commercial operation, there are many different niches that they can fit into and add profitability to a multitude of organizations. I think we have a really great future and I plan to work to help grow the organization in the right direction.”

Events included presentations by Jim Neel of the Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center in Beaver, West Virginia, and New York State grazing and grazing land specialist, Dr. Darrel Emmick. In addition to the camaraderie and opportunity to buy animals, these informative presentations and the opportunity to speak with experts in the field were a big draw for many. Familiar with dairy cattle but new to Devons, Linda and Daniel Marquardt flew out from Chicago to see for themselves the cattle they’ve been researching for more than a year. “We intended to build up a herd slowly, but that changed when we had the opportunity to walk, talk, and observe with so many generous, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable association members,” said Linda. “Their willingness to spend time talking about animal qualities, different scenarios for putting together our future herd, animal value, cautions, the works— this was the tipping point, and why we felt confident in purchasing seven quality heifers, four bred for spring calving.”

But it was the soft-spoken and staid Roper, who runs her own 30-head herd of Devon, who stole the show. “Having Lisa Roper here, from Devon, England where these cattle came from, as our judge was an honor,” said Henderson. For Roper, stepping into pens and watching various cows and bulls run up and down the narrow aisles was a new experience. “Our Devon are halter broken and people lead them,” said Roper. “It’s been a great challenge actually. But considering that these cattle came straight off the field, all presented really well and were quiet.” Respected in the international community of breeders, Roper was asked to judge the breed class at Brazil’s prime livestock show in 2006, at Porto Allegro. It was only the second time a foreigner was invited.

According to ADCA secretary, Martha Trantham, possibly the location, but most certainly the economy, saw fewer people attend this year’s ADCA Great Event. “But despite the low turnout, the numbers for the sales are up from past years,” Trantham. Newly appointed ADCA President Frank Heeren agreed, adding, “The good news is, we’ve maintained if not increased the value of these replacements from last year and definitely increased their value from 2007.”

Sale Summary

Top Seller: bred heifer, Lakota’s Rebecca III P27: $13,750.00

Photos

To view more pictures of the Great Event, please go to www.collages.net and fill in the following information:

• Username: Great Event 2009
• Password: 26740

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