As someone who's called Lincolnshire home for over 35 years, the county's rare breeds have a special place in my heart. I was first introduced to Lincoln Red cattle by some farmer friends in North Scarle, a charming village between Lincoln and Newark. They wanted me to paint their prized bull, Gambo, who had an incredible presence. The farmer's wife provided photos and requested a large, 1-metre square painting as a Christmas gift for her husband.
Everything went smoothly, and the painting was collected just before Christmas. However, on Boxing Day, I got a call from Mrs. G. When her husband unwrapped the present, he said, "Lovely painting, dear, but that's not Gambo." Oops! She had chosen the wrong bull! The photos she sent were of a borrowed bull from the Lincolnshire Wolds. No worries, I painted the correct one, and all was well. I went on to paint more of their cattle in a bright, fun style, which have proved popular as prints.
The family sell high quality pasture fed beef delivered to your door.
A couple of years later, I was at Hemswell Antique Centre with one of my hare paintings to show the owner, Robert Miller. He suggested I contact Jon Thornes, the owner of South Ormsby Estate, as he was looking for original art to furnish the hall. Robert introduced us, and Jon asked me to paint his beloved Lincoln Red cattle. This herd is historically significant, being one of the largest herds of original population cattle in the world. Jon is passionate about supporting the local community in innovative ways, and you can read more about the South Ormsby Estate, set in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds, it
is a haven for rural business and entrepreneurship in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We arranged a visit to the hall, where I met the estate's resident photographer. He took some fantastic photos for me to work from. The cows, with their calves at foot, were very calm and didn't mind us being fairly close. It was a privilege to be in their presence.
Over the next month or so, I completed the paintings and brought them back to show Jon. I'm happy to say that two of them now hang in the hall, celebrating the beauty and heritage of Lincoln Red cattle.
Last autumn, I was manning my stand at the Home & Gift Fair at the Lincolnshire Showground when some committee members from the Lincoln Red Cattle Society stopped by. They were interested in producing a fine china mug to promote the breed. I showed them some of my paintings of Lincoln Reds, and they fell in love with one from South Ormsby. With Jon Thornes' permission, we used that image.
Now, these beautiful mugs are available through the society and on my website. I've also had some jugs made with the same image, and they’ve been a hit! It's wonderful to see my art helping to promote such a special breed.
Here is some information about this wonderful breed:
The Lincoln Red cattle trace their origins back to the early 1800s in Lincolnshire, Britain. This era was a bustling time for livestock development, with many breeds being refined for specific purposes. The Lincolnshire breed first received recognition in 1695 when Gervaise Markham praised its quality in his book, "A Way to Get Wealth."
Breed Evolution: From Shorthorns to Lincoln Reds
During the 1700s and 1800s, Lincolnshire cows were bred with Durham and York Shorthorns and local draught animals to enhance their conformation. These crossbreeds were initially known as Lincolnshire Red Shorthorns, a name later shortened to Lincoln Red in the 1960s. The breed gained recognition from the British Board of Agriculture for its rapid finishing ability. Originally registered in the Coates Herd Book, Lincolnshire Red Shorthorn breeders established their own herd book in 1896.
Focus on Beef Production
While Lincoln Red cattle began as a dual-purpose breed, they are now primarily selected for beef production. The importation of continental beef breeds in the 1970s and 1980s led to a decline in the popularity of many native breeds, including the Lincoln Red. However, a small number of purebred Lincoln Reds, known as Lincoln Red Original Population, remain in Great Britain and are considered critically endangered by the British Rare Breed Survival Trust.
Distinctive Characteristics
Lincoln Red cattle are easily recognizable by their deep cherry-red colour, which helps reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. They have soft, pink skin, with bulls weighing around 2,000 lbs. and cows about 1,500 lbs. Their short faces and large muzzles are complemented by their rapid growth rates. Originally horned, the breed saw the introduction of the polled gene in the 1960s, making management easier for breeders.
Hardy and Adaptable
Known for their hardiness, docile temperament, and rapid growth, Lincoln Reds are excellent mothers and calve quickly. They thrive in colder climates, making them ideal for small-scale beef production and beginner farmers. Markham's historical account of Lincolnshire cattle highlights their suitability for labor and draft, characteristics that have evolved significantly over the centuries.
Pioneering in Traceability and Performance Recording
Today, consumers demand traceability, and the Lincoln Red Cattle Society has been a leader in this area. It was one of the first to use herd books and introduce independently observed Beef Recording Schemes. The Society's innovative approach has helped many breeds, thanks to the pioneering work of Lincoln Red breeders.
International Reach and Continued Development
Lincoln Red cattle have been exported worldwide, from Argentina to Australia and beyond. Despite a decline in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, the breed has made a comeback through careful crossbreeding programmes aimed at improving conformation and lean meat content. Original Population Lincoln Reds are monitored by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with efforts to preserve their genetics through semen and embryo shipments.
Modern Success and Adaptability
The Lincoln Red breed remains a productive, easy-care suckler cow, well-suited to modern beef production demands. They are feed-efficient, adaptable to various grazing and climatic conditions, and known for their strong, broad muzzles and sturdy legs. These traits make them excellent converters of forage, whether on pasture or in indoor finishing systems.
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