South Devon cattle come home for national show
CUSTODIANS of one of the Westcountry’s most iconic livestock breeds will be coming together en masse at the Devon County Show.
After a two-year absence, the South Devon Herd Book Society has announced that it will be staging its prestigious national show on the opening day of the flagship agricultural event, set to take place from June 30 to July 2 at Westpoint Exeter.
Originating from the South Hams area of Devon, some 400 years ago, an increase in demand as seen the South Devon population to over 25,000-head at the most recent count, dotting the British countryside from the tip of Cornwall to the Orkneys in the far north of Scotland.
Although the South Devon Herd Book Society roams the country, holding their national shows at various events since they were first launched in 2010, it seems fitting that it will be back on home turf for the 2022 edition.
Breed secretary, Caroline Poultney, explained: “We have now had to miss two national shows, firstly in 2019 due to lockdown and then again in 2020, simply because it wasn’t viable to pull it together in time. We’re desperate to get back out there as are the breeders, many of whom travel hundreds of miles to compete.
“We’ve had a fantastic reception thus far and hope that we will be back up to our normal levels of 100 entries when the Devon County Show comes around.”
So, what is it that really makes a South Devon special?
Judging the breed classes this year will be Lionel Pascoe from Hayle in Cornwall. With many years’ worth of experience in breeding and judging South Devons under his belt, he said: “A good South Devon bull should have a strong presence and stand out in a herd of South Devon cows. He should have a nice straight top line, good bone, a fine shoulder and a nice square back end, with good temperament and finally not too dark in colour.”
Mr Pascoe added: “In the show ring, we are looking for some specific features from the female cows. The ideal South Devon dam should be of good temperament, and she should show presence with good breed characteristics. She should have a nice feminine head - not too long and good body width and good size not over done with muscle. She should walk freely, have a good milky udder which is not too big with medium size teats.”
A strong performer in the modern commercial or pure bred suckler herd, whether intensive, extensive or organic, South Devons have many desirable attributes: Bulls grow quickly and mature early, which means they can begin to be used as young as 15-18 months; South Devons are wonderfully docile creatures and safe and easy to handle, which makes them a great breed for showing; They make superb quality meat which is marbled – a highly desirable trait for tenderness and taste; Not only are they kind by nature, South Devons have a kindly face too, with a broad pink nose and muzzle; The dams have a long life expectancy and make excellent, caring mothers; They have thick red curly coats and are extremely hardy.
The South Devon Herd Book Society will hold its national show on Thursday, June 30. For further details about the Devon County Show and to book advance tickets, please visit the website www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.