Kingston Lacy Red Devon bulls win awards

Two bulls, Orion and Obelisk, from the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle, were recently shown at the Devon Cattle Breed Society spring show and sale at Sedgemoor market.

Against some strong competition, Orion was placed 2nd in his class and Obelisk placed 3rd. Both bulls, which will go on to sire future generations of the breed, were then sold at auction – Orion for 2100gns and Obelisk for 1600gns.

Ellie Byrne, from Kingston Lacy said, “The Red Devons, or Red Rubies, are one of the oldest pedigree herds of their kind. First brought to the estate in 1894, the herd, which can be seen grazing in the park, are still as important to the spirit of Kingston Lacy as the splendid collection of paintings in the house.

“Last year Bournemouth and Poole National Trust Association generously supported the purchase of show equipment, and it would not have been easy to have shown the bulls so well without their help.

“We would like to congratulate and thank the team here at Kingston Lacy and all the farm volunteers who have worked tirelessly to prepare the bulls over the past year to ensure they were shown at their best.

In the summer the best of the Kingston Lacy Red Devon herd will be showing at the Royal Bath and West Show and later in the autumn the 2nd annual Devon Cattle Breeder Society Show and Sale.