In our series about heritage breeds, cows are one of the most interesting animals to choose heritage over hybrid.  Hardier, smaller, and lower maintenance, heritage cow breeds can withstand conditions our delicate modern breeds would have no part of.

Belted Galloway
A hardy Scottish breed, Belted Galloways are unique looking with a wide band of color in the middle of their bodies.  These cows produce beef that is lower in saturated fat and thrive on pasture.

Devon
Devon cows were used in pioneer days to provide meat, dairy and work.  They are exceptionally efficient at converting grass to meat and are top contenders for grass finished beef today.

Dexter
Considered miniature by today’s standards, the Dexter is a dual-purpose meat and milk cow.  It has really been making a comeback with urban homesteaders and people looking to get back to the land.  Dexters do well on small acreages.

Jersey
Far removed from the Jersey cows of today, heritage Jerseys are much smaller than the commercialized Jerseys of today.  These smaller Jerseys are called old-world or miniature Jerseys, but are from the original cows brought over with settlers.  They are small, beautiful and hardy, making them ideal for backyard homesteading.

Preserving these breeds is not only a responsibility we should take seriously, but a pleasure as well.  Heritage cows are easier to manage and while not as high producing as commercial counterparts, they more than make up for it by needing less calving intervention, less special feeds and less maintenance overall.  There is something very satisfying about looking out in the pasture to see a piece of our history grazing happily.