I just got back from tagging and banding our newest arrival – Tregger the steer. I had much help from Mickey Kindred who does most of the more athletic parts. It was a beautiful spring day and I led the herd down to the gate from way up top with alfalfa treats. Ernie and Scottie were particularly hungry for them and led the pack all the way down the road.
Once I got Taffy separated from Tregger, we caught Tregger and held him down to tag and band him. He was only a few weeks old and already very strong and difficult for us to hold down. But all went well and now we have a steer named after where he will end up – on the Tregger grill.
Bulls are reproducing fathers like Dunnis and Ernie but a Steer has had their testicles removed or banded making them more passive and non-reproducing. Steers are pretty much good for fattening up and eating when they are fully grown and make excellent meat for the table.
I am slowly growing a herd that is organically (wild) fed for great meat and as entertainment for visiting families to Lifewater Ranch. Scottish Highlander cattle are among the most gentle and hardy you can find. Ranchers don’t usually raise this breed because it grows about half as fast as a good Angus breed. At Lifewater Ranch, we take our time and let nature give us her best when the time is right.
Scottie is half Jersey and is a bull. Scottie’s mother was lost while giving birth to Scotties younger sibling. He is owned by the Kindreds and I imagine will be in the freezer by winter.
Dunnis and Ernie are both bulls and are available for breeding for a small fee.
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