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About Red Poll Cattle Red Poll cattle are a traditional British breed, native to East Anglia and originally formed by crossing the Suffolk Dun cow (a dairy type) and the Norfolk Red (which was beefier) in 1870. They are chestnut red (as in conker) coloured, and are born without horns which is why they are called red poll(ed) cattle. Once much used as a dairy cow, the breed has always been dual purpose which means that it produces both excellent milk and beef. This dual purpose aspect of the breed is increasingly important. Red Polls are now used by commercial and pedigree breeders throughout the UK and overseas, especially in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, to produce an excellent suckler cow with plenty of milk with which to rear a strong and healthy pure bred or cross bred calf. For instance the father might be a Charolais or Hereford bull which matures quickly. The Red Poll is a long lived medium sized animal with a strong maternal instinct. It is common for a cow to have up to 15 to 16 calves in its lifetime, and it calves easily. It also has a very strong maternal instinct and so looks after its calf exceptionally well. It is easy to keep, which means that it is well suited to organic farming systems and small holders looking for a calm and docile animal, with no horns. It flourishes on natural farm grown food and is bred to live outside through the Suffolk winter. The taste and texture of Red Poll meat is excellent as those who have bought it from nearby farmers markets or eaten it in local restaurants will confirm. Similarly Red Poll milk is of very high quality and although there are now only a few milking herds, some excellent cheese continues to be made from it. The Red Poll is living proof that traditional native breeds have a lot to offer both the farmer and consumer. Its development reflects the skill and wisdom of previous generations of Suffolk farmers in introducing the breed and we are very fortunate in being able to preserve it. The breed is found across the UK but remains most widely represented in the Eastern Counties, where there are many small herds and a few large ones. In recent years there has been a notable increase in the numbers of herds and the overall number of animals. However, it is still officially listed as a Rare Breed and therefore needs to be strongly supported both by the farmer and the butcher and his customers.