July 1, 2024
The 2024 Red Devon Tour was an extraordinary event that brought together breeders, enthusiasts, and experts from around the world to celebrate the rich history and remarkable qualities of the Red Devon cattle breed. This year's tour, as recapped by Jeremy Engh, President of Red Devon USA, was a memorable journey from Florida to Massachusetts, culminating in the recognition of the breed’s 400-year anniversary, celebrated at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, MA.
The Red Devon Breed: A Legacy of Excellence
Red Devon cattle, also known as Devon Ruby or Red Ruby, are renowned for their adaptability, docility, and superior beef quality. Originating from the southwestern counties of England, including Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, and Somerset, the breed has a storied history dating back to Roman times. The first consignment of Red Devon cattle arrived in North America in 1623 aboard the ship Charity, marking the beginning of the breed's significant contribution to the US beef and dairy industries.
Red Devons are prized for their ability to thrive on grass, making them an ideal choice for sustainable farming. Their thick hides provide excellent resistance to parasites and extreme weather conditions, while their docile temperament ensures ease of handling. The breed's genetic purity and robust constitution have enabled them to flourish in diverse environments, from the heat of Brazil to the cold of Maine.
Highlights of the 2024 Tour
The tour kicked off in Florida and made its way through Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, before reaching its final destination in Massachusetts. Each stop featured visits to prominent Devon farms, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the breed's adaptability and the innovative practices employed by breeders.
Blue Bear Farm
Located in the Red Hills region of southwest Georgia, Blue Bear Farm hosted the first stop of the tour. Attendees enjoyed a light breakfast and met the Tanner family’s growing herd of Red Devons. The farm's holistic practices aim to regenerate biodiversity in the soil and stimulate the regrowth of native plants. Click here to visit their website!
Edgewood Plantation
Susan Simmons and her team at Edgewood Plantation in Monticello, Florida, provided a beautiful representation of Devon cattle thriving in the Deep South. The historic homestead showcased how well Devons adapt to hot, humid climates. Click here to visit their website!
Deep Grass Graziers
Dan Glenn, a renowned producer of grass-finished beef, hosted the tour at Deep Grass Graziers in Fitzgerald, Georgia. His operation grazes cattle year-round on both cool and warm season annuals grown on irrigated pastures. Click here to visit their website!
Walker Century Farms
Bill and Nancy Walker of Walker Century Farms in Anderson, South Carolina, showcased their diverse genetics and multifaceted operation. They work with experts at Clemson University and had speakers discussing beef production on coastal grasses. Click here to visit their website!
Lenoir’s Creek
Charlie and Martha Trantham manage Lenoir’s Creek, the oldest Devon herd in the country, located in the mountains of western North Carolina. The farm is a great example of Devons thriving on rocky and harsh terrain. Click here to visit their website!
4 Seasons Farm
Robert and Diana VanKirk of 4 Seasons Farm in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, have developed a herd of over 120 registered Devons. Their breeding plan utilizes AI, embryo transplant, and natural service, striving for the best conformation and performance. Click here to visit their website!
Lamppost Farm
Steve and Melanie Montgomery hosted the tour at Lamppost Farm in Columbiana, Ohio. Their educational farm focuses on reaching and teaching through agriculture. Click here to visit their website!
Lakota Ranch
The Engh family of Lakota Ranch in Remington, Virginia, showcased premier animals and innovative farming practices. The tour included a herd tour, stock dog demonstration, and a meal featuring Devon beef. Click here to visit their website!
Full Moon Farm
Paul Colucci welcomed visitors to Full Moon Farm in Gardiner, New York. The farm features Devon and Angus cattle, and visitors enjoyed Devon beef prepared by the local university's Culinary Institute. Click here to visit their website!
Thistle Hill Farm
Nestled along the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia, Thistle Hill Farm presented the best of traditional English genetics alongside American and New Zealand genetics. Click here to visit their website!
Plimoth Plantation
The tour culminated at Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where Devon cattle first arrived in 1624. The celebration included a walk with cattle through the plantation, commemorating the breed's historical significance. Click here to visit their website!
Reflections and Future Prospects
Reflecting on the tour, Jeremy Engh expressed his excitement and gratitude: "The connections you make on this tour result in friendships that will last a lifetime. We are honored to have hosted breeders from around the world and to have showcased the remarkable qualities of the Red Devon breed."
The tour also served as a platform for the upcoming documentary "Plymouth to Plymouth," produced by Backyard Green Films. This documentary aims to capture the essence of the Red Devon breed and its historical significance, promising to reach a wide audience and further promote the breed's legacy.
As the tour concluded, participants left with a deeper appreciation for the Red Devon cattle and the dedicated breeders who continue to preserve and promote this exceptional breed. The 2024 Red Devon Tour was not just a celebration of history but a testament to the enduring legacy and bright future of the Red Devon cattle.