Early in 2004 we began our search of
different types of animals we could have in the pasture next to our home.
We knew we wanted livestock, just not sure what type of livestock we wanted.
They needed to be docile, easy keeping, and aesthetically pleasing to look at.
We finally narrowed our choices down to beef cattle. I had many years of
experience working with many different breeds of beef cattle. Now, which
breed?
During our search we came across miniature cattle, which we did not even know
existed. We looked at several different breeds and cross breeds of
miniature cattle. We settled on Miniature Herefords. We
contacted several breeders throughout the US and during this search we met Ron
and Susan Himmelberg of Long Creek Miniature Herefords in Harrison, Arkansas.
We made our first purchase from Ron and Susan. It was perhaps their
demeanor and the way they treated us that helped us make this first purchase.
Ron and Susan were more interested in our friendship than they were at selling
us cattle. No pressure sales, just take a look, lets have some coffee and
some lunch. It was a great experience for us.
This is how we got started in the Miniature Hereford business. Our herd
has continued to grow since that time, and we now raise both polled and
horned Miniature Herefords.
WHY MINIATURE HEREFORDS?
Miniature Herefords are an animal for the backyard beef industry.
One man can hang a quarter and process it himself. The average Miniature
Hereford carcass
provides a smaller amount of beef that a family of four can consume within the
recommended freezer shelf life.
For people who have moved from the city to small farms, the little Herefords are
ideal. They may be considered pets, enjoyed as a hobby, treated as a
secondary source of income, or employed as a full time business. Since
their smaller frame makes them more suitable to the average family, they may be
used for personal backyard beef or sold as locker beef in a farmers market.
They are used to classify small acreage for agricultural exemption status and
are appropriate for group investment ventures or tax shelters.
Minis are naturally docile and make excellent show animals for any level of
competition. Two or three may be kept in place of one standard size cow.
Each miniature mother will wean a calf weighing a higher percentage of her
mature weight, thus making them much more economical. They are also
practical for stocking larger operations and can help in the movement that is
presently underway to return to a more muscular, chunky type of animal that is
able to thrive without pampering. An animal that is more efficient to
maintain.
Miniature Herefords now exhibit an improved cow/calf weaning ratio, greater rib
eye are per hundred weight, a higher dressing percentage and increased
tenderness due to shorter muscle cell structure, genetics and early maturity.
These traits are outstanding when compared to the modern beef animal.
Schulz Farm
Greg SchulzBay City, Texas
gschulz@mini-hereford.com
979.429.0208
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