I absolutely love the indigenous Devon breeds of cattle – in particular the lovely Ruby Reds or North Devons, which as their name suggests are red in colour, varying in shade from a rich deep red to a light red or chestnut colour.  Their coats are quite thick and often long and curly during the winter, although short and sleek in the summer.

The North Devon is one of the oldest beef breeds in existence today.  In fact some authorities consider the North Devon’s origin to be prehistoric, the assumption being that the breed descended directly from Bos lonqifrons the smaller type of aboriginal cattle in Britain. 

Alongside my Ruby Reds I like to keep a small number of South Devons.  These are bigger and paler in colour.  These cattle originate from Devon and Cornwall where it has been a distinct breed since the 16th Century.  They are the largest of the British breeds and are not related to Devon cattle. 

Ruby Reds and South Devons produce the most delicious meat – I highly recommend it to you.