In 2010 we acquired our first DevonX cows. Prior to that we had spent time researching the “ideal cow”, a medium frame size bovine 1100-1200lbs that exhibited the traits we desired. These traits included maximizing grass conversion efficiency, rugged and fertile bulls, consistent quality and fertility on the maternal side, all while producing a low maintenance animal.

Our research led us to the Red Devon, the oldest imported breed in America, the history of which I would refer you to RedDevonUSA.com.
Within this breed, particularly with the Rotokawa influence, we found the closest attainable phenotypic genetics of the solid, square and deep “old world cattle”, that we desired, without having to take many years to select for in a commercial herd.

Our full blood and cross bred cows and heifers have influence from the great Rotokawa Bulls 243, 93 and 688, and a few with Rotokawa 667.

We also found similar traits in a particular line of Herefords that had been closed to outside influence for over 60 years. These Herefords exhibited a short, wide and deep frame, the kind needed to maximize grass efficiency and to finish on grass. We were able to acquire a couple of these Hereford heifers to add to our desired genetic base for grass finish-able cattle. We utilized A/I from the Hereford herd bulls off this line and embryo work to enlarge our foundation herd.

Through A/I and embryo work we have been able to accelerate the desired traits of our foundation animals in our herd. Only a few of our Red Devons our registered at this time, most of the herd is not, as our end goal is always to produce a “Herbatorous” type frame regardless of registry status.

I would refer you to Gearld Fry’s website americanherbataurus.com/ahs/ for excellent articles on the subject and importance of a “Herbataurus” frame. Gearld’s years research and traveling to find such genetics as we are speaking about led him to New Zealand where he was instrumental in being able to bring the first Rotokawa Devon genetics back into this country.

Learn some more about the Devon and its history from the video by the North American Devon Association.