Livestock Producer Specializes In The Unusual

Livestock Producer Specializes In The Unusual AG WORLD 28-1-21 Paul Springer buys and sells livestock, but every one of his animals has something that sets them apart. He currently has two six-legged steers in his menagerie, but he's negotiating to buy a six-legged heifer and he's also in the market for a heifer or cow with a mule foot (hoof not cloven). In the past he's owned a 2-headed calf, a donkey with two bodies and one head, and many more. Springer first got interested in unusual livestock back in 1975, when he bought a calf with six legs from a farmer near Blue River, Wis. He raised the calf and then took him to the Wisconsin State Fair where he put him on display, charging 50 cents to those curious enough to pay the price to look. He says he didn't make a lot of money, but it was not a loss, either. In fact, the calf, which he named Boldegard, went back to the state fair every year until 1988. Boldegard lived to be 14 years old. When he died, Springer had him mounted by a taxidermist. Later, he sold him to a Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, where Boldegard still draws crowds today. Springer gets several calls and letters a month from producers, livestock buyers, veterinarians and others from all over the Midwest and beyond, asking if he's interested in something they have or have seen. Before he buys, he makes sure the animal is fairly healthy and not in pain. Some of the animals he buys are later sold to circuses, freak shows and museums for display. Others he keeps for his own displays until they die. Then, like Boldegard, they may be stuffed and sold. He has photos of all the different animals he's owned over the years. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Paul Springer, 1931 Cave Road, Mineral Point, Wis. 53565 (ph 608 623-2691).

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