Our cattle
The Chapman Herd was established in early 2011, the fulfilment of a long term ambition. We bought in quality heifers from good herds in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Devon to form the breeding base. We keep two stock bulls, and are now a closed herd, numbering over 150 head.
Red Ruby Devons evolved on the moors and valleys of North Devon and Exmoor. Long neglected in favour of big, heavily muscled continental breeds, Red Rubies are now surging in popularity as producers and consumers recognise their qualities. They produce superb beef, recognised in the Slow Food Movement’s Ark of Taste. They are calm, docile animals, which means they are easier on the fields and on their handlers than some other breeds. They are also known for ease of calving, which is hugely important from a welfare perspective.
Importantly, they make very good use of their food. They live very well on pasture and do not need to be fed grain, soya or other concentrate feeds. Our native cattle live very well off our native grasslands, and this is central to our ethos.
Red Ruby Devons are a beautiful native breed that we are proud to support. Both the cattle and the beef have exceeded our expectations.
Red Ruby Devons evolved on the moors and valleys of North Devon and Exmoor. Long neglected in favour of big, heavily muscled continental breeds, Red Rubies are now surging in popularity as producers and consumers recognise their qualities. They produce superb beef, recognised in the Slow Food Movement’s Ark of Taste. They are calm, docile animals, which means they are easier on the fields and on their handlers than some other breeds. They are also known for ease of calving, which is hugely important from a welfare perspective.
Importantly, they make very good use of their food. They live very well on pasture and do not need to be fed grain, soya or other concentrate feeds. Our native cattle live very well off our native grasslands, and this is central to our ethos.
Red Ruby Devons are a beautiful native breed that we are proud to support. Both the cattle and the beef have exceeded our expectations.
