Well, after much contemplation, I have decided to take the dive into the depths of SP. It is hard to describe this thread with one word but "remarkable" may be the best term for it. I have been following it almost since it's inception and it just keeps getting better!WOW There are a lot of things I want to say but just not enough time to say it all. Is there a birthweight problem "in general" in the shorthorn breed - absolutely. Are there numerous calving ease options in the shorthorn breed awaiting use?? Not really IMO. Are there more "common sense" calving ease options available today than there was 5 years ago?? Absolutely! Are we as a breed making progress in lowering birthweights and addressing problems that have hampered our ability to appeal to mainstream beef producers?? I think so. Are shorthorn producers who are raising red, polled cattle and targeting the commercial cowboy bull market blaming the "other" shorty breeders for their lack of success?? No, no, no, no, no. For one, I am experiencing great success selling the "right kind" of RED shorty bulls into black cowherds, so i really dont have any qualms with the other end of the breed, what they do does not affect my ability to market my cattle. Do we need to worry about making our birthweights too small at this point in the game???? Are you serious??? NO! I have had plenty of light birthweight (55 - 65) calves born in severe cold, snowy, icy conditions that pop right up and nurse and never see a barn to tell you that the "too big" ones are much more of a problem than the "too small" ones......give me a break. Many of these small little calves are 6 and 7 generations of negative BW epd cattle and low and behold I keep every heifer from these matings and have not seen the decline in pelvic area or "calvability" in these females, I love 'em and until I am proven wrong on this in my own operation I will continue to do so.
I look forward to the bombardment of the western nebraska hillbilly <cowboy>- go huskers
Aaron
