South Devons are definately better used as a crossbred than as a pure commercial animal in tougher country. Some SD breeders would dispute that. That maybe the problem why they haven't taken off in this country. Too much emphasis was made on promotinng them to perform in country other than the softer southern land. ( Our northern areas are very hot ,better suited to Bos Indicus types) South Devons are after all are Britishand not meant to endure the warmer climes. I think our Herefords do perform better. I just love the temperament of the SDs (its better than Herefords) Horses for courses I suppose.