A native breed of cow, originally founded 400 years ago in the South Hams, is to take centre stage at this year’s Devon County Show.

South Devon cattle are an inherent feature of the local rural landscape, their rich red colour adding contrast to Devon’s abundant and lush green pastures.

Originating from the beautiful South Hams hundreds of years ago, the South Devon breed is now a national phenomenon with some 25,000 at the most recent count dotting the British countryside from the tip of Cornwall to the far north of Scotland in the Orkneys.

The South Devon Herd Book Society which represents the breed is, however, firmly rooted in Devon.

Since its inception in 2010, the society has roamed country holding its national shows at various agricultural events but now it will be returning to home to the Devon County Show, which is returning to the Westpoint, Exeter showground after a two-year Covid absence from Thursday June 30 to Saturday July 2.

Caroline Poultney, breed society secretary said: “We have now had to miss two national shows, 2019 because of lockdown and 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 show comes around.”

This year’s judge of the breed classes, Lionel Pascoe of Cornwall who has bred and judged South Devon’s for many years, reveals what makes them so special.

“A good South Devon bull should have a strong presence and stand out in a herd of South Devon cows,” Lionel explained.

“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.

“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.”

South Devons are wonderfully docile creates making them safe and easy to handle.

Not only kind by nature, South Devon’s have kindly faces too with a broad pink nose and muzzle. They have thick red curly coats and are extremely hardy.

Their meat is of a superb marbled quality known for its tenderness and great taste.

For more information about the show visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk