Joy,
I do like the idea of heifers calving by the time they're 2 years old. However, along with you, I'm going to do what works best for me and my situation. I purchased Fall born heifers that I'd really like to calve in the Spring. I went ahead and bred them to calve in the Fall, but I did have serious thoughts of holding the bull off of them. I wouldn't have felt bad at all if I had done that. Now, they'll be needing supplement in the Fall when everything else is dry. The only good thing is that I can possibly wean their calves a bit early and be able to AI some proven cows as opposed to heifers who likely won't milk to their full potential (being their first time lactating).
I don't think those weights are abnormal for the size of the cow. I think the cows are, now, abnormal with regard to the size of the breed. Also, I was simply referencing that a 1,700 lb cow might have a 75 lb calf just like a 1,200 lb cow might have a 105 lb calf.
You couldn't be more right about colors. I had a red bald face cow have a calf the other day...I guess I'll have to call it a paint. It's got white all over it's front and rear legs, solid on top though. You decide.
Joy, I'm glad that you enjoy your cattle. That's probably as important as anything else. Everyone doesn't own cattle to seek a profit (not saying this about you). As long as no one is putting the public health at risk with their practices concerning beef cattle, I believe people should be happy with what they raise.
TN, as previously stated, those weights and birth weights are not the norm within the Beefmaster breed. In speaking with friends who have been a part of the breed since the 60s, I'd say the breed has made tremendous strides in improving the product which is offered and produced for the commercial cattleman.
EC
Edit: Forgot to mention...the calf is out of a black bull (foundation bred, not bred up). That black bull was out of a dun bull and a brown cow.