Bowman’s Banter

COMPOSITE BULLS HAVE BECOME POPULAR IN SOME AREAS by: Heather Smith Thomas Heterosis (hybrid vigor) has proven its value in many agricultural sectors—whether production of hybrid corn, hogs or beef. There are three kinds of heterosis; individual (the calf), maternal, and paternal. Of the three, paternal heterosis has had the least attention. Research studies have…

BSG has and will continue (when we can) to test our sires in the Trial-County Steer Carcass program, once recognized by the American Shorthorn Association. You know a lot of people assume they have cattle feeding figured out because you just need to select for growth and muscle. At BSG we understand the need for…

We understand there is heartburn among cattle breeders to embrace the idea of $Value Indexes. We say, “Fear Not!” Although the basic function of EPDs is often thought unreliable, the truth of the matter is that the populations of breeders that have utilized these tools, tend to be the most successful in the long term.…

The days of the argument that “My breed is better than yours” are numbered. As our society changes, and margins become thinner, cattle will follow the way of the pork and poultry industries in search of the most profitable animal. At BSG we embrace this science, while always being committed to the Shorthorn germplasm. We…

I want to take a moment to thank all of the bidders and buyers of the mature cow herd dispersal at the Form To Function Sale. It has been a heck of a 22 years raising Shorthorns through 4-H, college, professional careers, and the blooming of new families. We love Shorthorn cattle and the people…