by Jeremy Engh

If Devon cattle have a “secret weapon”, it is that the breed found its way into the hands of practical farmers and cattlemen. The early breeders established and stayed with certain sound selection goals that combined mothering ability, hardiness, growth and carcass merit.

Fortunately, Devon breeders managed to avoid the “bandwagon fads” that from time to time have hit— and later handicapped— many of the other beef breeds in the United States. But let’s get down to specifics. Here are 10 good reasons why you should consider Devon for your pastures:

1. Carcass value

Of the Devon carcasses evaluated in this country, 96% have met the demands of the most stringent beef retailers. That means that their tenderness scores have been 1.5 or better and quality grades of choice or better. Back fat measurements of .35” or thicker have also been achieved. Devon-crossed cattle achieved those same numbers in 89% of the cattle compared to other crosses 62%.

2. Fertility

Everything about Devon strongly speaks to the breed’s fertility. It’s not unusual for a top Devon heifer to breed at 10 months of age, calve before she is two, and rebreed in 45 days. Devon heifers routinely show estrus by 300 days. Devon bull calves have been known to breed cows by 7 months of age. Mature Devon bulls routinely cover 65 cows in a breeding season. The top-selling Devon bull’s semen has a live rate of over 90%. Compare that to the national average of 58%!

3. Maternal ability

Maternal abilities go hand-in-hand with fertility. Devon mothers routinely cycle before they’re a year old. Their rich milk production and high butterfat (4.5%) enables Devon owners to wean calves that exceed half their mother’s body weight.

4. Longevity

The average age of beef cattle in this country is five. The average age of Devon cattle is 7. In 2002, 15% of Devon females in this country were 15 years or older. One of our breeders has cows still producing at the age of 18 and a herd bull who is 14. Devon are structurally sound, have correct udders and robust constitutions. That means that Devon cattle will remain productive in your herd much longer than other breeds.

5. Grass finished

“Supreme Beef on Grass” is our motto! Devon have been bred to produce succulent beef from a grass diet for centuries. Because of this trait, the future of Devon cattle is not tied to grain supplies and high fuel and labor prices. They will always be the most economical to finish. That is why Devon is so popular today in countries from Brazil to Australia.

6. Pre-potency of genetics

Devon cattle did not take part in the feedlot madness that has had a stranglehold on the American beef industry since World War II. This kept the breed firmly in the hands of Devon breeders who insured the integrity of the breed’s genetics. No breed has a purer genetic base than the Devon and we will continue to insure the genetic integrity and stability of the breed.

7. Disposition

Devon has always been “the family’s cow”. They were selected to be the first cattle to come to the New World because they could weather the hazardous trip and thrive in the unfriendly conditions of the wilderness. They provided the colonists with their milk, their meat and their muscle. This close relationship with man has insured that they are first and always, docile!

8. Hide value

Devon have the thickest hides of any cattle in the world. That means that Devon cattle have better resistance to external parasites. It also means that Devon cattle tolerate weather changes and extremes of temperature. All this put together means healthier, tougher, more profitable cattle.

9. Adaptability

The Devon’s robust constitution has enabled them to flourish in the diverse environments of Brazil, Australia, Canada, Africa and the Middle East. You’ll find Devon breeders from Louisiana and Texas up to Washington and Maine. Trials consistently show that Devons not only excel on low nutrition but grow as fast as other purebreds receiving high nutrition diets.

10. Heritage

Link to the History page for a look at the story of the Devon. It has played a part in civilization from Biblical times to the Roman Empire to the founding of our country. For some Devon breeders, this rich history is reason enough to keep the breed growing. All Devon breeders share a deep appreciation for this splendid animal.

There you have my 10 answers to the question “Why Devon?” Others who know the cattle well would add still other answers. That’s why I hope you will contact our Association and visit a breeder in your area. You owe it to yourself to get to know these wonderful cattle.