If you are looking for a freezer market animal, easy calving, easy to finish on grass, easy to handle, good mothers, etc., I'm sure there are many good choices, but we chose Murray Greys. Even the bulls are gentle and easy-going, and the cows are gentle enough to milk. We have one we milk every year for about 6 weeks when she calves. We grow and manage our cattle organically and market grass finished beef directly to consumers. All they eat is grass from our pastures or hay made from that grass plus salt and minerals. The beef is tender and has a superior taste. We're very satisifed with our Greys, and we live in South Central Kentucky, with mostly fescue pastures.
Alison Wiediger Au Naturel Farm <A HREF="http://aunaturelfarm.homestead.com" TARGET="_blank">http://aunaturelfarm.homestead.com</A>
> Many thanks to all who have
> responded. I've gotten so much
> info I'm having trouble narrowing
> the field. Although I love cattle,
> this needs to be a profit
> generating operation. Do I need
> the rarer imports to create a
> niche market? I will be farming
> (for the most part) with only my
> children and myself and we have
> only 100 ac. (about 30% forested).
> Good streams and temperate
> (Northern VA) climate. Seriously
> considering direct marketing for
> "freezer" beef. I have
> the time and interest to do the
> marketing myself. Not into pulling
> calves and looking for some
> efficiency in the cows. Suppose
> breeding stock availibility is an
> issue and docility (as stated
> before) is a very important
> consideration, considering the
> handlers! Again, many thanks to
> all for info, opinion, experience,
> etc. Joan
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