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Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Analyzing Cattle for the Grass-finishing Type
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We recently enlisted the help of Steve Campbell of Tailor Made Cattle to analyze our cattle for grass-finishing characteristics. Steve is a student of Gerald Fry and possesses a keen eye for cattle that will finish on grass. He looked through our cattle, pointed things out to us, and showed us what to look for. I was familiar with Steve`s technique, but hadn`t really understood why these things were important. Like they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Steve spent the day with us discussing things from fertilizer and minerals to our own health. Our biggest surprise of the day came when we tried to run our herd bull, 116Y, in the chute to measure him. First off, he was too wide to fit in the alley to the chute! Then, Steve suggested we just crowd him up in the pen and see if we could measure him there. By the end of that session, we could have put a halter on him and led him off! I knew he had a quiet disposition, but I had no idea we could crowd him up and pet him like that 116Y getting measured. We learned much from Steve that day and are thankful for all his help, advice, and patience. See the Sires page for more about 116Y, including videos.
We recently enlisted the help of Steve Campbell of Tailor Made Cattle to analyze our cattle for grass-finishing characteristics. Steve is a student of Gerald Fry ...
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Monday, September 16, 2013
Joel Salatin - "Folks, This Ain`t Normal"
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A prolific author, Salatin`s seven books to date include both how-to and big picture themes. The farm features prominently in Michael Pollan`s NYT bestseller Omnivore`s Dilemma and the award-winning documentary, Food Inc. His recent widely acclaimed book, Folks, This Ain`t Normal, takes a common sense look at our food: where it comes from, it`s current state of abnormality—and why we shouldn`t eat most of it. I`ve come to admire Joel Salatin as the voice of reason in a crazy world. He is entertaining to listen to. He speaks on common sense issues that affect all of us. Take a minute to watch some of his presentations. One of my favorites is Folks, This Ain`t Normal, taken from his book with the same title. For the short version, watch Joel on TedMed. He uniquely explains the concept of Biology vs Mechanics and shows why we should all be concerned. For more information on Joel Salatin, visit his website at Polyface Farms.
A prolific author, Salatin`s seven books to date include both how-to and big picture themes. The farm features prominently in Michael Pollan`s NYT bestseller Omnivore`s Dilemma and the award-winning documentary, Food Inc. ...
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
GMOs: What`s the big deal?
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Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are a major hot-button subject throughout our country. Most European countries have bans against them for public safety. Some farmers have said they couldn`t farm without them. Others, that GMOs save them in labor. I drive by a neighbor`s GMO sugar beets often and notice there are many weeds in with the beets. After spraying with Roundup, some weeds still persist. Could these crops be a product of great marketing by seed companies? An article from Dr. Mercola shows Why GMOs Can Never Be Safe and lists some of the common myths associated with GMOs. To use GMO crops, farmers have to sign away many rights. Once GMO crops are introduced to an area, all suffer the consequences, as unintentional use of GMO seed can put a person in jail. See the story of Percy Schmeiser in David vs Monsanto. UPDATE: As more information emerges about GMO crops, it`s clear to see the dangers of their use. " Research reveals that glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto`s herbicide Roundup) is unlike other conventional herbicides. Like many other herbicides it’s a mineral chelator. This means it immobilizes nutrients, making them physiologically unavailable for your body, or the body of an animal, in the case of livestock feed. But glyphosate is also patented as an antibiotic against a large number of organisms, and this is where it veers away from other agricultural chemicals. Like all antibiotics, it kills indiscriminately, so it also decimates critically beneficial soil bacteria, as well as animal - and human gut bacteria." See the complete article: GMO Alfalfa. For a litltle humor, watch the Daily Show clip at the beginning. It`s funny, but not funny.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are a major hot-button subject throughout our country. Most European countries have bans against them for public safety. Some farmers have said they couldn`t farm without them. Others, that ...
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Thursday, August 8, 2013
2013 Fremont County Fair
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The kids just finished up with fair the first week of August. Although it was fun and exciting, it was also stressful. The kids had 5 steers there this year. The steers are from our herd of grass-based genetics, and we get them ready for fair without grain. The only thing they get is ground hay, salt, mineral, and apple cider vinegar. The steers did well on this ration, ranging from about 1050-1240 lbs. Although they didn`t place well in the beef show, in the carcass contest they placed in the middle with an average IMF score of about 6% and backfat of about 0.3 inches. I saw a couple of the steers hanging in the cooler after fair and thought they looked good, if not a little fat. There will be little to no waste on those steers. The kids did a good job and had fun.  Averee showing `Big Red` in PeeWee showmanship
The kids just finished up with fair the first week of August. Although it was fun and exciting, it was also stressful. The kids had 5 steers there this year. The steers are from our herd of grass-based genetics, and we get ...
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Thursday, July 25, 2013
Selling Local
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It`s a shame to raise quality cattle just to loose them in the abyss of the packers and feeders every fall. The conventional system of raising calves, selling them in the fall at weaning to be shipped east to the feedlots, then processing them the next fall and shipping meat back to the grocery store seemed crazy. Why not keep and sell the beef locally? It guarantees a better product with superior quality control, traceability, and has the added benefit of generating local business. Now that is real stimulus! With this new business model for ranching comes risk, which must be substantial, since there are not more people trying it. Or maybe asking a rancher to become a salesman is too much of a stretch. Whatever it may be, it definitely demands a new way of thinking.
It`s a shame to raise quality cattle just to loose them in the abyss of the packers and feeders every fall. The conventional system of raising calves, selling them in the fall at weaning to be shipped east to the feedlots, then ...
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