Simmental7":3evep4yk said:
This is going to be a pretty controversal statement but, why are people using herefords if there getting docked big time at the salebarn?? even the feather neck black baldies get docked..... so why use them? i know there is a place for them but....
Temperment, fertility, quality carcass and eating experience, efficiency in the feed lot.
All coming from a cow that can survive, thrive and raise a quality calf in a variety of climates and living conditions, with out a lot of extra supplement, large amounts of feed and a pile of silage. There are a lot breeds of cattle that can't do what Hereford and baldy cows can do in harsh environments. The current drought situation is good proof of that.
Cattle get docked at the salebarn because of poor quality or poor marketing by their owner. There are plenty of Hereford breeders who are getting a decent premium for their calves and breeding stock, and have a lot less inputs than those with other breeds.
Bottom line, the answer to your question is "profit". That is more important than whether or not your calves top the sale at the local salebarn.