Why invest in Texas Longhorns?
Texas Longhorns provide maximum profit for beef producers.
Texas Longhorns take little knowledge to invest in, can require very little involvement on your part, are safe and very endurable. Social economic situations have very little effect on them and in fact tend to make them a very positive investment. How many investments can you actually say you can have your cake and eat it too? Below are specific reasons why longhorns are a good investment.
Long & Profitable Life
This historic breed boasts individuals who live long and produce for many years for more profit over a lifetime. Unlike many other breeds, cows are at their prime at ten years and often continue to calve every year into their late teens and early twenties.
Longhorn cows are good mothers:
Texas Longhorn cows are natural mothers who are highly productive and very protective. They milk well, raise calf's efficiently and breed back quickly. Heifers can begin producing healthy calves at 2 years old, developing into cows who continue raising healthy calves into their 20s.
In recent years, Texas Longhorn Breeders have sought to enhance the reach of female lines through the process of embryo transfer and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Many elite females have responded well to the technique and are helping to strengthen the breed's base of maternal genetics.
99.7% Unassisted births:
Calving ease means faster re-breeding more live, stable calves. It also means less vet bills, late nights and pulling calves for producers.
Longhorn bulls are strong and sturdy:
They can cover great distances and are known for aggressiveness and stamina as breeders. Even when used heavily over many breeding seasons, Texas Longhorn bulls are dependable as sires into their mid-teen years. In modern times the breed's top genetics have been propagated through distinct sire lines. Many bulls are available for use through artificial insemination (AI), though most breeders are proud to maintain their own herd sires for natural service.
Suitable for crossbreeding:
Natural survival traits were developed by Texas Longhorns over generations of adversity. These are the same economic traits commercial cattle producers seek in order to minimize input and maximize output. Most Longhorn traits have proven to be highly heritable.
The strength of the breed's unique traits should make it a strong consideration for crossbreeding in today's commercial beef herds. Low birth weight calves make Longhorns the ideal candidates for commercial first calf heifers. These smaller calves make the calving process easier for the young mother which in turn allows the heifer to breed back more quickly. It also helps to prevent the
expense and potential loss associated with a small heifer trying to deliver a large first calf. The trauma associated with pulling a calf can result in the loss of both the calf and the heifer. Even if both survive the process, the heifer will need additional time to heal and may not breed back in a timely fashion, untimely reducing her productivity over her lifetime.
Low Management Requirements
Easily Handled:
Cattle drive stampedes may have made good movie footage but rarely happen in the reality of Longhorn ranching. These cattle are quite gentle and very easily worked on foot. Young people and novice cattle breeders learn from lessons of livestock handling through patient observation of the animals and by using common sense. Careful attention to each distinct personality and calm, quiet movement of groups usually results in successful maneuvering of Texas Longhorns.
Longhorns are hardy and self-sufficient:
Texas Longhorns will graze on most any ground cover. They are resourceful and make the most of even sparse surroundings to maintain their nutritional requirements and gain muscle. From hot, dry West Texas to the thick humidity of the Gulf Coast and up the cold, wintry trail into Montana and Canada, Texas Longhorns have adapted, evolved and thrived as a beef breed. Longhorns are genetically resistant to certain diseases and parasites. Their durability and hardiness reduces losses and cuts costs for cattle producers.
Disease Resistance:
Naturally healthy, less veterinary expense.
Lean Healthy Beef
Addresses Today’s Dietary Concerns:
Without sacrificing flavor and tenderness.
Naturally Lean Beef:
A Texas A & M University study showed that steaks from Texas Longhorn cattle had about 30% less muscle fat and 15% less saturated fat than a steak from a traditional British breed. Marbling, quality, grade and flavor were similar. Both purebred and crossbred Longhorns produce beef within the acceptable fat cover range of 1/4 inch or less. So, history does repeat itself. The natural traits of Texas Longhorns once again are meeting the needs of the beef-consuming public which consists of health and value-conscious consumers.
Texas Longhorns offer a genetic package that can improve earning potential of any breed. The survivors of the past are certainly the Breed of the Future!
Diversity of Market
No other breed of livestock has such diversity of marketing segments within its own ranks. Each segment brings with it marketing opportunities which can make any breeding operation a dependable, self-supporting and viable business.
The Showman:
These people are interested in showing their cattle or just showing off their cattle. They appreciate genetics, horn, color, and body; and understand that you pay for quality. They may be looking for a hobby and generally want “eat out of your hand” gentle cattle. They are also interested in the investment possibilities.
Purebred Breeders:
These buyers purchase the top 10% of our bulls and 90% of our females. Their marketing is aimed at the same five types of buyers. Quality, variety, and genetics are important.
Seed Stock:
The seed stock market gives serious breeders a reason to keep records and challenge their cattle to perform and progress. Among Longhorn breeders there's a constant trade toward the genetic improvement of purebreds. Breeders also have a ready outlet for their well-bred bulls and females to commercial ranchers. Consumer demand has created awareness that Longhorns can infuse the genetics which naturally produce lean beef.
Commercial Breeders:
These buyers want big, beefy bulls to breed to their first-calf heifers and sound producing range-type females to produce their own bulls. They do not care about horn or color just big bodies and sound milkers. They utilize Longhorn genetics for calving ease, disease resistance, longevity, browse utilization, and old-fashioned good mothering. They need hearty cattle to utilize rough country and recognize Longhorns as the answer.
Recreational:
The recreational market provides a steady stream of customers for Longhorn breeders. Team roping, team-penning and cutting are reaching new highs in popularity all over the United States. Texas Longhorn cattle are perfectly suited to these sports due to body size, disposition and, of course, horns. There is also excellent resale value in these animals after their recreational purposes are completed. These are buyers who produce ropers or roping cattle. They buy our steers and only want the biggest horn at the earliest age.
Western Nostalgia:
The western nostalgia market may be what brings most breeders into the Texas Longhorn business. Many begin by enjoying their livestock as a weekend hobby and soon learn to "talk cows" as impressively as a top-hand. Some collect a certain set of horns, others look for unique hides. Some find the historic Longhorn family lines or even individual bovine personalities the collectible element. Many others are interested in living the life of a bygone era by preserving this living piece of Americana.
All Natural, Grass Fed Beef:
This market is getting stronger every day. With today's health conscience consumers, the longhorn meat is a great answer to eating healthy and not having to give up red meat; and they are glad to pay for it. This is a market that is easy to tap, all within a 200-mile radius of the provider, you. This is a strong market, waiting to be fully taped.
Investors:
These buyers want an investment that does not sit in a safe deposit box, but rather one to enjoy while reaping the tax benefits. They want eye appeal and disposition. They may board their cattle or just want some pasture art.
-Courtesy of ITLA, TLBAA & McGuire Land & Cattle