The Randall Lineback Breed Association was formed by a group of concerned breeders in 2005 to preserve the name of the breed, and to advance the interests of the greater Randall Lineback herd
The Randall Lineback Breed Association was formed by a group of concerned breeders in 2005 to preserve the name of the breed, and to advance the interests of the greater Randall Lineback herd in a number of ways, including: geographic dispersion, market development, public promotion, semen availability, population increase, disease protection, animal registration, and improved data gathering. Largely through the efforts of its Board member, David Randall, Randall Lineback Cattle have become the first Vermont State Heritage Breed. The Randall Lineback Breed Association has successfully protected the name of the breed listing in conservation organizations. Recent developments to strengthen the situation of Randall Lineback cattle include not only their conservation, but also their herd expansion through embryo transfer of selected stock, mainly at The Chapel Hill Farm, Berryville Virginia, as well as through natural increase. Increased numbers of preferred stock and an expanded group of sires will help greatly in making this genetic resource secure for future generations.
Thus, through happenstance, difference of opinion, and hard work, there are today two geographically distant large herds of Randall Linebacks, one in Virginia and one in Connecticut, and a number of medium-size herds. There are two Randall Lineback breed associations. Sam and Everett Randall had 22 milking stanchions. There are eight or more times that number of Randall Linebacks in the world today. While much is left to be done, more is known today about the Randall Linebacks than ever before. Their future is far from secure, but substantial progress is being made. They remain America’s rarest cattle.