The Devon in its original triple-purpose form is now extinct in its native Devonshire, England. From these cattle, farmers, over the centuries, have selected two distinct breeds: the Beef Devon, and the American Milking Devon.

The American Milking Devon is a direct descendant from the foundation stock brought to New England. This distinguished group of cattle is favored for its tri-fold assets—milk, meat, and draught. Found only in the United States, the Milking Devon numbers less than 500, and has been placed on the critically endangered list of rare breeds by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Handled with kindness, the Devon is a docile breed, medium in size, and red in color, ranging from a deep rich red to a light chestnut, with medium-sized curving light-colored horns with dark tips.

Rising fuel prices, economies of scale, government subsidies, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and numerous other factors have driven many livestock producers towards an industrial model of production. Such mass production results in bland, texture less beef full of antibiotics and additives. Not only are nutrition and flavor compromised, but also the consumer is distanced from developing an ecological and spiritual relationship with the food that they eat.

Fortunately for the Devon, today’s health-conscious consumer is demanding a higher quality product—one that is produced in harmony with the ecological and cultural communities in which it is raised. As a result, the American Milking Devon returns to the forefront as a premier breed of cattle suitable for producing high quality milk and meat from sustainable production systems.

The demand for American Milking Devons is unprecedented. With less than 500 registered animals in the United States, it is no wonder that they are so highly sought after.