WHY WE LOVE THEM AND WHY YOU WILL TOO!
In 1623, two heifers and a bull from North Devonshire England were given to members of the Plymouth Colony. 400 years later, the Milking Devon, who was once one of the most prominent and useful animals on the farm, is now listed as a rare breed on the Livestock Conservancy’s Priority List. What makes this breed so special and why have we chosen them at Orbe’s Heritage Farm?
HARDY
One of the sayings associated with Milking Devons is “you can’t kill them with an axe”. Able to thrive in the extreme and varying climate of the Northeast is a testament to this truth. They actually rather enjoy snowy days and seem to laugh at your shivering through their fluffy red winter coats. In contrast, in the sizzling heat of summer they develop sleek short coats and regulate their temperature well with distinctive Milking Devon horns.
VERSATILE
American Milking Devon is a true triple purpose breed. This means it is intelligent and strong enough to be an ox, has an ample supply of creamy milk, and has well marbled and delicious meat. In any colonial farm picture, these cattle can be found pulling carts, farm equipment and logs or carrying people thousands of miles on the Oregon Trail. They were extremely important to the colonists who found value in multipurpose breeds. They are famous for their rich milk used to make Devonshire cream. This was easily made into cheese to be preserved for the harsh New England winters. Lastly, after a useful life on a farm, they were butchered for their high-quality meat to sustain the people who raised them. There is another breed from AMD’s stock that was bred just for their beef, called the Red Devon. This breed is separate and doesn’t retain the versatile qualities of a true American Milking Devon.
MATERNAL
Being a capable mother is not something that you would necessarily think to look for when choosing a breed. However, easy birthing and maternal instincts are an important trait for a small farm. On large milking farms, the instinct to take care of and nurse a new calf has been bred out of cows in favor of high milk yield, because new calves are raised in separate barns. In large beef farms that focus on carcass quality, the milk yield, as in the case with Red Devons, has been often bred out, creating cows that can’t nurse their calves. American Milking Devons make great mothers, immediately drying calves after birth, keeping them warm and protected, and happily nursing them sometimes all the way until the next calf. I’ve often witnessed grandmother cows’ calf sharing with their daughter’s calf. This impeccable care and bond helps calves grow fast and strong.
DISTINCTIVE
With glossy red coats and long white horns with a black tip, this breed is truly beautiful. Bulls often tote names like “Red” and cows’ “Cinnamon” or “Ruby”. Nothing looks more peaceful than these striking red cattle dotted among a vibrant green field. They also tote a sturdy, compact body which lends to their efficient grazing. They are well suited to grass fed and finished beef farms and produce a distinctive well marbled, healthy beef. If you love beef, I encourage you to try this heritage breed, which has a taste that is hands above others.
HOW TO FIND OUT MORE
If you are interested in learning more about the American Milking Devon, visit the American Milking Devon Cattle Association website or subscribe to our newsletter to hear about our herd and other farm news.
To read more about beef, visit our farm blog articles on food HERE.
Kelley