Red Ruby Devon cattle                                                                             

After much planning and discussion, in 2011 we finally started the South Yeo pedigree suckler herd of native Red Ruby Devon cattle.  The breed are indigenous to the area, flourish on the local culm grasslands and produce spectacular marbled beef, without doubt the best we've ever tasted.  They are also the most beautiful breed, their glorious chestnut coats changing from deep red to glowing ginger depending on sun and shade.

We are using the Devon Rubies as conservation grazers as part of our Higher Level Stewardship plans.  Once the orchids and other culm species of wild flowers in our meadows and woodland have flowered and set seed, the cows are used to graze, ensuring that the light poaching of the purple moor-grass and rush pasture provides suitable conditions for plants to colonise in the following year, particularly for those native plant species that are less competitive and therefore vulnerable.

Our heavy clay soil and generously wet Devon climate means that the cows have to be housed over the winter and our regular handling of the cows whilst they are in their barn has got them used to us and us to them.  We are enjoying the cows so much that we plan to increase the herd, and we will be adding gorgeous Devon Ruby meat to our selection of meat boxes soon. 

We are delighted with how friendly and helpful the members of the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society are, and hugely enjoy visits to other member's herds.