Small Cattle For Small Farms

Small Cattle For Small Farms LIVESTOCK Beef 28-4-43 Dennis Boldt wanted a smaller breed of cattle to fit on his small farm near Lakeville, Minn. After reading a brief article about Lowline Angus, he investigated and eventually invested in them. Now, with 20 head in Lakeville and more at a friend's farm, he's become an active breeder. Although many say Lowlines are "miniature Angus" Boldt prefers the term "1950's Angus" because the original Angus breed was only 40 to 45 in. tall and weighed about 950 lbs. During the 1950's, Angus were bred to larger cattle to create today's Angus. The smaller size of Lowlines is what attracts smaller farms. It also makes them more attractive to health-conscious consumers, many of whom don't want big T-bone steaks the size of their plates anymore. Lowline steaks are about the size of a pork chop. The smaller animals need less grazing land and Boldt says he can feed two Lowlines for every "regular size" Angus. While normal calves weigh about 85 lbs, Lowlines weigh about 50 lbs. Smaller equipment is used with the cattle and they are docile enough to be kept with other farm animals, including horses and goats. Starting a business with Lowlines is a matter of investing into the breed - and that's not cheap. It costs about $4,000 for a 700 to 800-lb. heifer. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dennis & Denise Boldt, 12295 205th St. W., Lakeville, Minn. 55044 (ph 952 469-1684; fax 952 469-1684; email: loalald@hotmail.com) or The American Lowline Registry, 1912 Clay Street, N. Kansas City, Mo. 64116 (ph 816 221-0641; website: www.usa-lowline.org)

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