Devon Cattle

The Devon is one of the oldest breed of cattle in existence. Some believe its origins are in prehistoric Britain. The Devon was previously classified as a multi-purpose breed as they were raised for milk, meat, and to work . Most Devons are now classified as a beef-type breed, although a milking Devon strain still exists in America.

Only 131 years after Columbus discovered North America, the first Devon cattle reached what is now the United States. The year was 1623. The ship Charity brought a consignment of red cattle (one bull and three heifers) from Devonshire to Edward Winslow, the agent for Plymouth Colony. These red cattle of Devonshire, brought in by the Pilgrims, were probably the first purebred cattle to reach North America.

Devon cattle are red in color, varying in shade from a rich deep red to a light red or chestnut color. A bright ruby red color is preferred and accounts for their nickname, the "Red Rubies." The hair is of medium thickness and is often long and curly during the winter; however, coats are short and sleek in summer. Mature bulls in good working condition weigh from 1700 to about 2200 pounds . Mature cows range in weight from about 950 to about 1300 pounds.

Devons are active good "walkers" and are excellent grazers. When used as oxen they were considered as fast compared to other breeds and many were used for logging and on the Oregon and other trails west. Add to this their docile temperament, and it is no wonder they were a popular farm breed.