I am starting to work on a project to set up a 500+ cow herd in western Canada. The plan is to pasture the cow herd for at least 10 months of the year, and retain ownership of the calfs until slaughter. Since cows will be grazing in snow and cold, I need an easy doing cow herd which efficiently produce high yielding carcasses (colour of calves is not an issue). I would like to pick your minds as to what breed combinations would work best for an operation like this, and why. My present thoughts would be to have a hereford - angus cross cow herd. Probably the best range cow for my conditions. However, I am not sure whether it makes sense to have hereford - simi cross or hereford - gelvbieh cross. With the simi and gelvieh I would get more milk production but may loose out on hardiness. I am not sure what I should have for a terminal sire (Charolais, Limo, Simi) or stay with Angus and Hereford ( I am worried about loosing yield with Angus and Hereford).
I am sure there are better ideas so lets see them.
I am sure there are better ideas so lets see them.