Our pedigree herd of Red Poll cattle arrived here in April 2007.  There were cows, heifers (females yet to have their first calf or with their first calf), calves, and a 4 year old bull called Wheatfield Cherokee.  This suckler herd formed the basis for our farm business on our organic land. We now have 45 breeding cows and heifers, a new bull called Woldsman Oberon (who has a very good bottom!) and another 72 yearlings and calves.

The Red Poll is derived from the original cattle of Norfolk and Suffolk. The Norfolk cow, which was a beef type, frequently blood red in colour  was crossed with the Suffolk polled bull, from an excellent dairy breed of predominantly dun coloured cattle. The polled gene in the Suffolk suppressed the Norfolk horn, and in 1863 the name Norfolk and Suffolk Red Polled cattle was adopted and the first standard description was agreed in 1873. The first herd book followed in 1874 (compiled by Mr Henry Euren) and in 1883 the breed became known as “The Red Polled”. The Red Poll Cattle Society was formed in 1888. The colour of the breed was by then established as red, preferably deep red, with white touches only on the tail switch and udder.

Our calves stay with their Mums for at least 6 months.  The Red Polls produce a good quantity of milk and the calves are all thriving. One born at Easter 2008 and called Easter Boy has been left entire. He will be for sale in 2010.

The herd in the distance!