|
|
Mini Moos- More than a statueBy Michael Fisher CSU Area Livestock Extension Agent Colorado In recent years, America has been described as a "super-sized" nation. It seems that our society has adopted a sense that bigger is better with products ranging from our fast food combo to our SUV. As I drive through the Golden Plains counties, it is obvious that "super-sized" fever has struck the ag community here as well. We have wheat piled on the ground to remind us of our record harvest and as notice of the pending great corn crop that is just beginning to be delivered to storage bins. The fields are full of the largest combines that we can buy or lease and drills that have to be broken down into sections to be transported down the road. Plus, a wayward traveler can often be found struck in awe after they have driven past one of our many feedlots and realized that they had just seen more cattle on one property than some small nations have within their boundaries. These local examples are all good things for us. Each in their own way, they represent the opportunity for profit for our local ag producers. Obviously, a record crop allows for more bushels of product to sell. Large equipment helps us to be more efficient and cut labor costs. Even the large feedlots allow for efficiencies through the economy of scale and being able to have employees who are segment focused on a specialty area. However, in parts of the country that are more populous, such as California, western Washington, Florida, the New England states, and even Colorado's Front Range, a different kind of fever is having an effect on agriculture. That is the miniaturization of farming and ranching. For some time now we have given these micro-ag operations quaint names like hobby farms or ranchettes. Sometimes, these smaller ag operations have dedicated their business plan to an all natural or organic twist. Other times, the goal may have simply been to escape the city and have a "green acres" experience. Whatever the original desire was, one thing is a fact; miniaturization of agriculture is becoming a big business near population centers. It did not take long for the equipment companies to see that these micro-farms needed micro-equipment. There are a whole slew of miniaturized tractors, mowers, rakes, disks, harrows, and etc., hitting the market. Not to be left out, even the manure spreader has been shrunk down to little more than an oversized grain tub with wheels and spinning paddles. So now that the micro-equipment need has been met; let me introduce you to the next big wave, or should I say small wave, in the miniaturization of the farm/ranch. Miniaturized livestock are coming down the pike. This is especially true with cattle, with 26 miniaturized breeds currently recognized and several new composite breeds being genetically selected and developed. Actually, mini cattle have been around for a while now. The miniature Hereford was developed using genetic selection through the 60s and 70s when the rest of the Hereford breed was being selected for more growth, larger animals. One of the more popular mini cattle breed's, known as Lowline, dates back to 1929 and was derived from Australian research evaluating genetic selection in Angus cows. Yet another of the popular mini breeds, the Dexter, has its origins in Ireland in the 1750's. However, both the popularity and the marketing avenues for these miniaturized cattle are increasing with the growth in ranchettes. While I have not found the scientific research to back it up, there are several "marketing claims" that are being touted about in an effort to promote the mini-moos. A producer can graze 2 or 3 of the small cattle on the same space as a typical cow. They supposedly have a greater feed conversion, dressing percent, and meat tenderness than a traditional steer. And case observations suggest that these small breeds mature and finish at an earlier age. Additionally, the smaller portion sizes are reportedly more appealing to today's health conscious consumer. Other marketing claims suggest that the miniature cattle have better temperament than their larger counterparts and therefore are ideal for youth to have as a tool to learn responsibility. Along with this, the marketers of the miniature cattle are trying to position their product as a great resource for 4-H programs. Some areas are adopting this idea and creating miniature cattle classes and even complete shows dedicated to the pint-sized projects. Another potential client that is being targeted is the person looking for the out of the ordinary pet. Entire marketing plans are being generated to make miniature cattle as much of a novelty as the pot-bellied pig was in the 80's. There is one more marketing claim that doesn't need scientific backing to verify and is piquing the interest of the so called hobby farmer as well as the traditional rancher. That is the dollar value of these tiny critters. It is not uncommon to hear reports of replacement heifers selling for $3500+. When you consider the lowered feed and overhead costs that are reported by breeders of the miniature cattle, the current market prices for breeding stock impress many. A growing number of traditional ranchers have made the decision to make the miniature cattle boom an opportunity to diversify their ranching enterprise and cater breeding stock to the ranchette market. Are mini cattle a passing fad or the next great thing? Your guess is as good as mine. Yet, it is probably a good idea to at least be aware that it is a growing trend in the cattle industry. Well, at least an urban trend in the cattle industry. Date: 10/29/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
