Summer weather has now arrived, hasn't it? We
still have plenty of pasture for the Beefalo, but the heat and lack of moisture
is beginning to have an effect. Personally, I notice the high humidity; it
really saps the energy.
Our calf crop is not as "bunched" as much as it has
been, or as much as I prefer, although it does mean I could have calves to sell
the year around. We are still having calves being born almost weekly and
they and their mommies seem to be doing well.
It seems that more people are becoming aware of
Beefalo. Recently we were contacted twice about purchasing some of our
yearling heifers as well as some steers. In addition, as many of you know Dr. Shealy who purchased ten cows with calves by side from our farm nearly two years
ago donated his entire herd and farm to Missouri State University. Earlier
this month I visited briefly with Dr. Anson Elliott, the head of the
Universities Agriculture Dept., who is excited about the Beefalo and their
possibilities. He feels they are perfectly suited for the forages common
to southern Missouri. The University already has Hereford cattle, so there
is the potential of a "cross breeding" program to demonstrate the value of
increasing hybrid vigor, not just between breeds, but species as well. I
believe this will be obvious as more people become aware of, and involved in
Beefalo.
Switching gears. we are going to take three animals
to the State Fair in August. The National Show for Bedfalo has been moved
from the Ozark Empire Fair to the State Fair this year. The date for the
Beefalo judging is August16th. If you are at the fair August 15-18th
please stop by. Until the next time take care.
