Wisteria Farms":8jqum9x2 said:
Help! We're wanting to raise a beef herd... no Shorthorns, Black Angus, or Herefords... they're too common here and the showring competition is too stiff. Want something with nice disposition as my kids will be handling them also. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!
Is your primary purpose to benefit your kids with responsibility, self-discipline and knowledge? If so, ANY breed will work. If your main goal is to WIN, at all costs, you are missing out on the economic end of Beef Production. To satisfy BOTH goals, you might look around for a Beef Breed which will be rather unknown in your area, and still possess acceptable genetic traits, along with good phenotype, which can be used in the future for a good income-producing business. There are a lot of them out there!
Dear Doc, I realize any breed will work, and NO my main goal is NOT to win at all costs. I have witnessed families with that attitude... steers kept in coolers and then brought out into 90+ degree weather... slitting the hoof to produce lameness... being ACED until they are a slobbery mess...etc. So, I am doing just what you suggest... the Murrays and Braunvieh are NOT common here. They are the two breeds I read to have very good dispositions which is why they're being considered... I want my kids to enjoy raising/showing their cattle...not be overwhelmed by their size/attitude. Out of curiosity, what breed(s) do you raise?
DOC HARRIS