The Askews bought 5ha of land in Gisborne and Lee bought two in-calf Red Devon cows “for sentimental reasons” and that was the beginning of an enduring love for the breed. Red Devons are excellent foragers and are considered a gourmet beef breed, with tender meat, good marbling, and white fat, coupled with a calm temperament.
Our policy is to reduce stress in the animals at all times, and especially prior to slaughter, and to increase the glycogen levels in the muscle as a buffer prior to transportation by feeding them for two weeks with whole soaked oats mixed with molasses.
We also feed them on the trailer, training them to walk on voluntarily so they’re comfortable with it and load themselves when the time comes.