Although Occombe was once a dairy farm the new herd is entirely Ruby Red beef cattle. Ruby Reds were chosen because they are a traditional North Devon breed that produces good quality meat on the type of grazing available on the farm. The herd comprises about 60 cattle including a Bull named Headland hero : more >>

During the medieval period the wool trade was the most important one in Britain with many country towns built on the profit from the trade. With the introduction of cotton and artificial fibres the emphasis changed to meat production, particularly lamb. Sheep are hardy animals that can be left outside for much of the year : more >>

A century ago the British countryside was home to a large variety of different breeds of farm animals. Today more than 90% of dairy cattle are the black and white Holsteins; Suffolk and Texel breeds dominate sheep flocks and most piggeries contain Large Whites or Landacres : more >>