Now I can input a bit more.......I appreciate EVERYONE's input! There are a couple of variables I must tell you about that will narrow the field of possibilities.
Personal Preference 1) My husband and I both LOVED our Herefords.....we both dislike the Baldy....go figure....
Personal Preference 2) We do not want horns....(sorry Rustler, you had good points)
We are commercial, usually running stockers, but are going to have some momma cows back on the farm...(small herd).
DPH had the most valid point of using a bull over AI...thank you for that. I would like to keep breeding stock down to be serviceable with 1 bull. I am always willing to pay for quality.
Everything that will be bred next year are 1st calf heifers.
I will keep heifers based on structure/health/growth before color. Of course black gets most price/attention at the barns, and I am only commercial, so I'd like to stick to a "black" bull. Personally I feel I am down to two options. Angus, and thanks to Springer Farms, Murray Grey. I really love Simms, but I would rather err on the conservative side for these heifers.
Angus is more readily available, MG's are harder to find, MG's would potentially give me the best Hybrid Vigor.....
Finally, we want growthy calves, faster maturing, to either: sell as feeders, and or finish on our own. We have the flexibility to go either way........
Any other opinions would be appreciated.....Thank you Michele