There is a lot of political rhetoric in the air about change. Much of it
may only be campaign talk. Here is a change you can bet on to deliver some economic help.
With rising energy and feed costs many smiles are rapidly fading from the faces of cattle producers. The slim margin between
cost of production and profit is becoming uncomfortably slim.
The real challenge involves the courage to change. This change may bring smiles or laughter from the real world. We've seen both
with a radical change in transportation and cow size.
No
one was smiling at the gas pumps until we drove up in our Smart car.
It looks 
funny and brightens everyone's day a bit. They would be even
happier if their cars also made sixty miles per gallon. $3 + gas is
no laughing matter.
This is precisely the same scene we faced when we first showed our imported Lowline Angus at the National Western stock show in
Denver, and state fairs in the late 90s. These highly efficient and radically different animals also brought smiles. We called
them the "Cattle of the future". Our optimism is now a fact. The University research has proven their worth. They are more
efficient on forage along with several other characteristics that add to the bottom line of the producer. Today you can look up
both the Smart cars, (smartusa.com), and Lowline Angus, (minicowswest.com) on the internet and see the proof.
Large
framed commercial cattle require a great amount of feed for long periods
to satisfy a slow growth curve and high metabolic rate. The ability
to finish on forage has largely been bred out. Large bones and high
energy demands do not work well on pasture only; "Nature's heart healthy
salad bar". At today's cost of finishing these animals face a bleak
future. Large framed "Grass Guzzlers" will still have their place in
the pastures of those who want them, do not care about profit, or who
resist change waiting for the return of $45 oil, $2 corn, $80 hay, and
$4 wheat. The good news is that the genetic ability to produce quality
pasture to plate grass fed beef still exists in the genetically pure
Lowline Angus breed.
Some producers will continue to drive their SUVs, Hummers, and empty one ton trucks to town for mail and not take a moment to
look up alternatives on the internet. I doubt any will smile when they see triple digits on the pump at their next fill up. 25
gallons will = $100 when gas goes to the $4 price $100 oil will demand when it comes
The cattle cycle is changing. The demand for smaller cuts, less fat, less chemicals, and a natural background is increasing faster
than production. This is the kind of healthy beef most should be feeding their families. Our Utah State University studies show
more than four times as much Omega 3 as Omega 6. Fat thickness is 2-3 tenths of an inch and the grade is mid choice. All this
with no hormones, antibiotics or exposure to confined feeding pathogens.
Small numbers of more profitable animals can yield a high return. Small acreages or a portion of a larger outfit can work well
for Lowlines. Small, quiet cattle that come to you are easy to care for. Look them up. Do your own research, and decide if a
change to Lowline Angus beef and seed stock and their positive benefits can put a smile on your face.
Gene Kantack
Minicowswest.com
Easy4s@msn.com
