Photos: courtesy of Russ Wilson
Source: https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/randall-lineback-cattle/
The Randall Lineback is a purebred remnant of the lineback-patterned cattle once common in New England. Though their origins aren’t clear, it is likely that they originated in New England from a combination of Dutch, English, and French cattle breeds. Historically, Linebacks were multi-purpose, used for dairy and beef production and as oxen. This made them an integral part of rural New England life for several centuries. There was no formal breed organization except for the brief existence of the Columbian Breed Association in the early 1900s. Most of the Lineback’s population was lost over the last century through crossbreeding with Holsteins.
The name Randall comes from the Randall family in Vermont who kept a closed herd of Linebacks for over 80 years. The Randall herd was one of the few Lineback herds that wasn’t crossbred with Holsteins. However, after the death of Everett Randall, this herd was dispersed and most of the animals were lost to slaughter. Through a convoluted pathway and with the efforts of Livestock Conservancy members, a small part of the herd was saved and has been the foundation for conservation of the breed.
The “lineback” part of the breed’s name describes their lineback color pattern. The cattle are blue-black with a white strip down their backs. The roan coloring on their sides varies from almost black to nearly white, with black noses, eye rings, ears, feet, and teats. Between the extremes are many animals that are blue roan or speckled. With increased breeding, additional colors have been observed, and herds now may contain some blue, gray, or recessive red animals. All color variants are stunning, especially against a background of green grass.
Randall Linebacks are medium-sized, horned cattle. Cows weigh 600-1100 lbs. and Bulls 1000-1800 lbs. Some variation in conformation does occur, but the majority most cows have dairy conformation and well-developed udders. They are good mothers and can sometimes be fiercely protective of their calves. In some herds, family lines are discernable. Bulls are large and demonstrate good growth rates. A few steers have been trained and excel as oxen. Their unusual color, willingness, and ability make them attractive and capable draft animals. Randall Lineback cattle do have an assertive side, so it is best that they be handled often.
The Randall Lineback breed is distinct from the American Lineback, which includes any dairy animal with the lineback color pattern. Though the American Lineback registry includes some animals of historic breeding, this population falls short of the genetic definition of a breed.
Randall Lineback cattle are critically rare and are being closely managed to increase numbers and maintain genetic health. The breed is more secure now than in the recent past, although additional breeders would ensure its continued survival.
RANDALL LINEBACK BREED ASSOCIATION
https://www.randalllineback.org/
OUR MISSION IS: TO PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND PROMOTE THE RANDALL LINEBACK CATTLE BREED, A UNIQUE AMERICAN BREED, WHICH IS CURRENTLY THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION.
The Randall Lineback Breed Association is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2005 to “Preserve, Protect and Promote” this unique American breed, which is currently threatened with extinction. The history of this breed is the history of America, reaching back almost four hundred years into the dawn of New England. These cattle are a living window into America’s past.
The Randall Lineback breed is the last survivor of the once numerous “all-purpose” local landrace breeds of cattle that became popular throughout New England beginning in the late 1600s. These landrace breeds of cattle produced the milk, provided the meat, and did the heavy agricultural work of New England for hundreds of years.
ARTICLES
Randall Lineback Cattle – The Breed that Saved America
Link: https://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/4345/randall-lineback-cattle-the-breed-that-saved-america
A Rare (and Adorable) Cattle Breed from Vermont Makes a Promising Comeback
https://happyvermont.com/2022/07/08/randall-lineback-cattle/
FARM
https://randalllineback.com/pages/about-us
At Chapel Hill Farm (Berryville, VA), we are committed to bringing you the highest quality grass-fed beef in the world. With Randall Lineback, you’ll taste what happens when UNIQUE HERITAGE GENETICS meet EXCEPTIONAL ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.
The result of a 100% pasture-based approach, our beef boasts a deep, rich flavor that will satisfy your deepest hunger without weighing you down with the heavy intramuscular fat of industrialized breeds.
Remember: Randall Linebacks predate conventional beef by 150 years. It will show you how beef was meant to taste!
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