Breed History

Over 300 years ago Gervaise Markham in his book, ‘A Way to Get Wealth’, remarked about Lincolnshire Cattle, on the “pyde” cattle “their horns little and crooked, of bodies exceedingly tall, long and large, lean, strong hoved and indeed fittest to labour and draft.” The modern Lincoln Red is a far cry from those far off days. Today the consumer wants traceability. The Lincoln Red Cattle Society was one of the first to use herd books and launch an independent Beef Recording Scheme, setting standards for traceability and performance recording.

After Viking settlers brought early cattle to eastern England, the breed’s history was documented in 1695. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, breeders such as Thomas Turnell improved local cattle by crossing them with Durham and Shorthorn stock, producing the Lincolnshire Red Shorthorn. By 1799, they were praised by the Board of Agriculture for their quality and finishing ability.

The Lincoln Red Shorthorn Association was formed in 1895, with herd book publication beginning in 1896. The breed was exported widely from 1904–1914, reaching countries such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, and the USA. By 1926, it was England’s second largest pedigree breed. Originally dual purpose, the breed eventually specialized in beef, though it retained strong maternal and milking traits.

In 1939, Eric Pentecost began developing polled Lincoln Reds. By 1960, “Shorthorn” was dropped from the name. The Society led the way in weight recording and beef performance schemes.
Although continental imports in the 1970s–80s reduced its popularity, a successful Breed Development Programme strengthened conformation and lean meat content without losing original traits. Original Population Lincoln Reds are monitored with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and genetic material is exported globally.

The breed has contributed to major research projects, including MLC maternal trait studies and genetic tracking initiatives at De Montfort University.

Today, the Lincoln Red is a hardy, feed-efficient beef breed, well adapted to varied grazing conditions. With low input needs and strong performance on pasture, it remains a traditional native breed that meets modern production demands.