Donated by R P Farms and Popken South Devon
Robert and Joel Popken of Swanville, Minn., on behalf of the Northern States South Devon Association
The Popken family has been in the cattle business since Joel’s great grandfather migrated to the United States from Germany in the 1800’s. The Popken’s moved to Minnesota from Nebraska in 1973 and purchased their first South Devon bulls in 1983. They have stayed with the South Devon breed because of great dispositions, fast growth rate and excellent meat quality. They have achieved many milestones in the cattle industry with one of their greatest accomplishments being named the 2021 South Devon Seed Stock producer of the Year.
Popken South Devon and R P Farm’s heifers are artificially inseminated for calving ease, while cows are bred focusing on genetics with a balanced set of EPDs to enhance each animal’s genetic worth. They consistently focus on a moderate frame and good phenotype in every individual. The family is also committed to purchasing the best bull available. They raise most of their replacement females by carefully selecting from what they have identified as the top end of their heifers. The Popkens do not chase fads or base decisions on only hide color, and instead, select on what they think is best. The Popkens believe South Devon cattle have many outstanding benefits like gentle dispositions that cross with everything, quick growth rates, and great carcass traits.
Popken South Devon and R P Farms have shown cattle at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. They are active members of the North American South Devon Association and of the Northern States South Devon Association since the beginning. Both Bob and Joel have been serving on the board every year since its inception in 1986. Joel is currently on the board of both organizations. He also has served on a number of committees and assisted with the National South Devon Show in Denver, Colorado each year since 1995. They have been supporters of the South Devon Junior Association, and they are happy to provide this South Devon heifer to help a deserving youth get a start in the industry.