THE oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cows has been joined by a new bull at Kingston Lacy.

The bull, called Priorton Usher, has come from a prize-winning breeder in Devon.

Rob Groves, farm manager, said: ‘We are constantly looking to improve the quality of this herd, which was established at Kingston Lacy more than a century ago by Walter Bankes.

“The herd plays an important conservation role, not only in the parkland here at Kingston Lacy but also out on the estate at Badbury Rings and Holt Heath, where their grazing helps control scrub and grass allowing diverse species of wildlife to thrive.”

Bulls are regularly home bred at Kingston Lacy, the National Trust property near Wimborne.

Around half the herd are running with three-year-old Kingston Lacy Winston, who comes out of the renowned Champson Diamond line.

However, new blood lines are important to develop different qualities and ensure the quality of the herd; the four-year-old Priorton Usher was chosen for his stocky build and traditional size and shape.

Priorton Usher will run with the cows in the parkland through the summer, hopefully siring many of next spring’s calves.

Rob added: “Red Devons are a very special native breed, and we look forward to seeing Priorton Usher’s offspring grazing here for many years to come.”