The_Ledger_Summer_2020

Making Calving a Great Experience Continued from page 14

his 1,000-head feedlot where they aren’t sold until they reach about 650 pounds. Although the crossbred calves trend on the lighter end of the scale, Biwer would rather have more live, weaned calves than a smaller num ber of heavier weight calves after the second year. In fact, he has been so impressed with the calves, he has been considering retaining a herd of crossbred females and introducing them to the ranch’s cow herd. “I kept back a few accidently and they made really nice cows,” he says. “They’re about 300 pounds smaller; there’s no question about it, but they look fabulous.” So far, the halfblood cows have kept their condition up well; they continue to breed back and they aren’t having any trouble with their calves.

Most years, the Biwer family sends their crossbred calves to their 1,000-head feedyard where they have proven to be feed efficient.

every one to make sure they have room,” Biwer says. “But I do think there’s a great future with it. It’s most important to me for her to have a great experience, her to have her calf on her own and, of course, to have a live calf. It’s just a no-brainer.” TL

So far, the halfblood cows have kept their condition up well; they con tinue to breed back and they aren’t having any trouble with their calves. “If I were to run a halfblood Ameri can Aberdeen-type program though, I would definitely do a hip check on

SEMEN AVAILABLE ON THESE 2 IMPRESSIVE RED FULLBLOOD BULLS!!

SUN 206E REG. #32525

AS JASE REG. #26139

Let S Four Farms help enhance your herd with some of the best Red Genetics in the Western States!

RED & BLACK ABERDEENS | FULLBLOODS & PERCENTAGE

WWW.SFOURFARMS.COM 22288 Sagebrush Flats Road • Ephrata, WA 98823 509-750-4203 • sieverkropp@gmail.com

50 | THE LEDGER