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In looking at the entire process a feeder animal travels we believe that
the days of "cowboy n' up" are limited. Herd disposition is
becoming more and more important in the profit-loss columns. Easy to handle
cattle provide more
personal safety on the ranch, less corral building, healthier and more
efficient cattle in the feedlot, higher quality grades and more consistency
in the cooler. One of the simple tests we use on all potential replacement
heifers judges how large each individual animal's comfort zone is when
interacting with humans. They are culled accordingly. Employees are introduced to these
concepts in cattle handling seminars.
Correct bone structure seems an obvious requirement for the long-term
perpetuation of a breed. Legs and feet propel the foraging animals around
their environment; take them to their next  mouthful and allow
them to easily cover a hot cow. If structure is compromised, sustainability
is compromised, calves are compromised. We measure because what we miss, we
know the environment won’t. Sore-footed, stiff-legged bulls don’t breed
cows; sore-footed or stifled cows become thin and are culled.
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