Red Poll Cattle: Breed Profile

Red Poll cattle were developed in Norfolk and Suffolk in eastern England by combining local red cattle. They are hornless and a deep red color, often with a white switch on the tail. They were imported to the United States in the nineteenth century and a breed association was formed there in the 1880s.

Purpose

The breed was developed for both milk and beef. Today Red Polls are used mainly in grass-based beef programs and by small farms that value gentle, efficient cattle.

Where the breed stands today

The breed has a small but loyal following, and the Livestock Conservancy has included it in past conservation lists. Check the current list for status.

What to look for in a Red Poll project animal

Look for a smooth red coat, a clean polled head, a deep body, sound legs and a calm eye. Cows should have good udder attachment if they are kept for milk. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Red Poll at 4-H and FFA

Cattle are judged as breeding animals, as market animals and in showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Calm, docile animals that suit beginners
• Hornless and easy to handle
• A heritage story for record books
• Beef cattle shows usually offer breed classes, showmanship and market classes, so there are several ways to compete.
• Cattle teach feeding, grooming, handling and record keeping, which carry over to every other project.

Cons

• Limited numbers and classes
• Show-quality animals may require travel to find
• Market steers may be smaller than standard
• Cattle projects are expensive once feed, vet care, entry fees and travel are added up.
• A steer or heifer needs a sturdy pen, a wash rack, a trailer and a place to work every day.

Caring for your project

Plan on daily feeding, brushing and halter work for months before the show. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Red Poll. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
• How old is she, and what has she been fed?
• How has she been handled, and what is her temperament?
• What vaccinations, health care and treatments has she had?
• Will she be eligible for the classes and sale at my show?

Bottom line

Red Polls are a gentle, practical breed for students who want a heritage project.

To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Texas Ranchers Ask If Three Wives Count as Farm Labor, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.