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Our bulls…
…have become an increasingly important part of our operation…not only joining herds from Canada to Louisiana but as leased sires to smaller farms that can’t justify a full-time bull. Right now we have eight bulls at work for Thistle Hill…and a dozen more in the development stage. Our bull pen is still headed by Highwayman, sired by the English bull Millennium Falcon. The dam was from the Goldings herd of the legendary cattleman Ivan Rowe. Ivan gave us the pick of his herd and smiled a rare smile when we selected Norah. It was the only pedigree that he had carried in his pocket. Ivan judged many breeds in his…
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Re-charging our batteries….
….every year we return to England…and follow the same path…visiting old friends like Gavin Hunter of Tilbrook farm not far from Cambridge. We find looking at, and talking about, Devon with breeders like Gavin is a diversion and a challenge. Gavin is the top supplier of Devon bulls in England and we generally make Tilbrook our first stop, not just because he’s a great friend and breeder but he’s closest to the airport! It’s become something of a ritual for Gavin to meet us in his yard with his latest treat….this time, a new young bull named Tilbrook Prince. And this time, our grandson Church made the trip with us…not…
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Meanwhile, back home….
….our English partner, Gavin Hunter, continues to breed exceptional bulls. In fact, he probably sells more Devon bulls than any other breeder. His great cow, Tilbrook Cashtiller, had an unbroken string of three top sellers in the Devon show and sale. And now her daughter, Cashtiller 10th, is carrying the flag. Here’s her son, Tilbrook Oz. The sire was an Australian bull, Bongalabi Atlas.
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Running in more posh circles….
….our English colleague, Gavin Hunter, is congratulated by HRH Camilla at the Royal Show in Devon. Gavin’s newest young bull took second place at both the Devon and the Bath and West shows….and his Tilbrook Thomas finished first at Bath. Gavin tells us plans are being completed for the next world Devon tour in England in June, 2016. Apparently Camilla invited Gavin and 50 of his closest friends to drop by Highgrove during the tour.
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Batteries recharged….
….and we’re just back from our annual sabbatical in England. We’re overwhelmed with the backlog, of course, but didn’t want to keep you waiting. First stop, Gavin Hunter’s Tilbrook Farm and here’s the latest in a long line of his winners. This guy is just seven months old and Gavin has already set him aside for future use including collection. We’re first in line! Have to sort through about 250 pictures but we’ll drop them in a few at a time over coming days. Meanwhile, back to work at Thistle Hill. Thanks to Duane Ard for keeping things running smoothly while we were gone!
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Tilbrook Cashtiller, R.I.P…..
The great English champion Tilbrook Cashtiller has been put down. She was the prettiest cow I have ever seen. Cashtiller campaigned in British shows for several years and was never beaten. A great moment came at a Royal Cornwall show where she was named not only champion cow but Grand Champion. Her ribbons, silver trophies and plates could fill a room at owner Gavin Hunter’s home….and do. When the partners of Traditional Devon America saw Cashtiller first in 2010, they nervously broached the subject of flushing her for embryos….but Gavin quickly and generously agreed. “Cash” more than cooperated, providing us with 25 embryos. Right now we have 7 of her…