In this episode of Horns n Hooves, we are joined by special guest Annie Howe to discuss her deep-rooted history in the cattle industry and her transition into showing high-quality registered Highland cattle. From Craigslist beginnings to winning division titles at major shows like Louisville, Annie shares the passion and dedication required to maintain breed standards and family legacies. We dive into the critical differences between miniature crossbreds and registered Highlands, emphasizing why quality must always come before color or size.

Listeners can expect a raw conversation about the "livestock reality," including the challenges of winter calving, the vital importance of herd health through vaccinations, and the dangers of working with horned cattle. Annie reminds us that while these animals are beautiful, they are exactly how God made them 2,000 years ago, and it is our responsibility to protect their integrity. As Annie says, "If you're not breeding to advance the breed, don't breed".

Key Takeaways

The Importance Of Quality Genetics: Prioritize conformation and sound breeding over easy-to-quantify traits like color or small size to ensure the long-term health of the breed.

Vaccinations And Biosecurity: Protecting your investment means providing the best possible protection through vaccinations, especially when animals are being transported across the country.

Livestock Safety And Boundaries: Never forget that horned cattle are dangerous; maintaining strict rules and expectations in the barn is essential for preventing injury.

The Role Of A Reliable Vet: Finding a veterinarian who is as invested in your vision and your cattle as you are is a game-changer for any producer.

Episode Highlights

Craigslist Beginnings: How a random search led to an incredibly well-bred foundation bull and a lifelong obsession.

The Shift To Showing: Rediscovering the love for the show ring and the impact of seeing success click for the whole family.

Preserving The Breed: Why Highlands are unique because they haven't been changed by the packing industry and still retain their ancient traits.

The Reality Of Loss: A sobering look at the challenges of saving a hypothermic calf during a difficult calving season.

Timestamps

00;01;05 — Annie’s lifelong history in the cattle industry

00;03;32 — Transitioning into showing registered Highlands

00;11;34 — Why the industry must focus on quality over color and size

00;18;03 — The necessity of vaccines for animals traveling nationwide

00;23;03 — Dealing with hypothermic calves and winter calving issues

00;28;35 — The value of finding a vet invested in your vision

00;36;33 — Critiquing the pitfalls of breeding for size alone

00;41;05 — Why you should invest extra money in high-quality bulls

00;53;05 — Dangerous encounters and the importance of livestock boundaries

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_

In this episode, we're diving deep into the realities of winter cattle management, sharing tips, tricks, and a few crazy farm stories. We're talking about the challenges of keeping water thawed, how we're adapting our feeding programs, and the unexpected excitement of late-fall/early-winter calving. We want to hear what everyone else is doing for winter feeding, feeders, and waterers - it’s always interesting to learn from other regions and experiences. We’ll also be sharing a hairy calving situation we just experienced, which turned into a crucial learning experience.

We discuss the pain of constantly running extension cords and needing water heaters for tanks, and the overall tediousness of checking cows in the cold weather, especially when you don't live right where your cows are. Plus, we're celebrating a much-needed barn upgrade, which felt like a surprise from Santa himself.

Key Takeaways Of The Episode

The struggle is real when it comes to keeping water thawed and calculating feed weight and waste during the winter.

Hay feeders are a hot topic, as different styles work for different people - we want to know what kind of feeders you use to minimize waste.

Winter calving is a big commitment and requires constant checking and potentially intervening, especially in cold temperatures, as things can go south quickly.

Episode Highlights

• The Winter Water Struggle: Discussing water heaters, running extension cords, and the challenges of breaking ice in water tanks (sometimes a few inches thick!).
• The Calving Learning Curve: A detailed story about a recent calving where a heifer and calf needed intervention due to the cold, despite mild Nebraska weather, and how we had to tube-feed colostrum.
• Feeder Safety: Highlighting the dangers of certain feeder styles after losing a calf last year and the recent hairy situation of a cow getting stuck.
• Santa's Barn Upgrade: Celebrating the much-anticipated arrival of insulated barn pieces and a head gate that will make winter management and handling registered cattle much easier.

Timestamps

• Welcome Back & Winter Prep Overview: 00:01:00
• The Water Heater and Extension Cord Pain: 00:04:15
• Discussing Hay Feeders and Feed Waste: 00:10:45
• Feeder Safety Issues and Stuck Cows: 00:19:10
• A Hairy Calving Situation and Intervention: 00:27:00
• The Much-Needed Barn Upgrade Arrives: 00:34:20

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Welcome to a very blessed and important episode of the Horns N Hooves Auction Podcast! This week, we are joined by a special guest, Dr. McKenzie Hendrix, a phenomenal and amazing veterinarian, to talk about the crucial basics of mini cattle care, particularly focusing on the first few months of a calf's life. We cover everything from proper colostrum and nutrition to essential vaccination protocols and signs of illness like pinkeye or pneumonia. Dr. McKenzie offers incredible insights to help you manage your herd and tackle those stressful calf-birthing times with confidence.

Key Takeaways: Mini Cattle Health & Management

The importance of the first 24 hours of a calf's life for colostrum intake and immune system set-up is a core theme.

Proper nutrition and having a good veterinarian relationship are non-negotiable for mini cattle health.

Be vigilant for subtle signs of illness or unusual behavior in your animals, especially during stressful times like shipping or calving season.

Prevention is easier and more cost-effective than treatment, so having supplies on hand is crucial.

Episode Highlights

Veterinary Relationship & Protocol: We emphasize building a formal relationship with a cattle vet and having a pre-set vaccination protocol for your herd.

Colostrum & Immunity: Learn the vital role of the mom's first milk (colostrum) in transferring antibodies (IgG) within the first 24 hours and the need for high-quality replacers if the calf does not receive enough.

Disease Prevention: Discussions include managing risks like BVD, pneumonia, and pinkeye, noting how they can spread quickly, especially in new or mixed herds.

Calving & Labor: Guidance on the three stages of labor and when you should be prepared to intervene or call your vet, particularly after two hours of active pushing by the cow.

Nutrition: Essential advice on balancing your herd's diet with forage (hay and grass), avoiding too much grain, and consulting a nutritionist for optimal health.

Timestamps

[0:00] Welcome, Introduction to Dr. McKenzie Hendrix

[0:05] Discussing the importance of a good vet relationship

[0:15] Talking calf care basics: Colostrum and immunity

[0:20] Vaccination and disease prevention protocols

[0:30] Understanding the stages of cow labor and intervention

[0:40] Nutrition, feed, and why forage is primary

[0:50] Signs of a sick calf (fever, nasal discharge, pinkeye)

[1:00] Dealing with BVD and quarantining new animals

[1:05] Wrap-up and thanks to Dr. McKenzie

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Production Credit:

Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential, and often overlooked, aspects of beef cattle nutrition and animal husbandry that create a successful herd, particularly for Highland cattle breeders and those involved in showmanship. From the critical first month of a calf's life to strategic feeding for a glossy show coat, we cover the full program required for proper development, health, and a positive return on investment.

Quote From the Episode

"Animals love consistency. Feed them the same thing, same time, every morning. That's going to take effect on your animal, also animal husbandry. Over time, you're going to have a more healthier animal with time."

Key Takeaways

• The Foundation is Early Nutrition: Proper nutrition starts immediately, and feeding a complete starter feed in the first month is critical for proper rumen development and building front-end growth.
• Consistency is King: Animals thrive on consistency in feeding time and routine, which is a key part of good animal husbandry.
• Corn Can Be a Mistake: Overfeeding corn/starch in show cattle rations can "burn the hair," leading to a dull coat instead of the desired shine. A shiny coat is often a sign of good condition and energy levels.
• Mineral Programs are Vital: You must keep your mineral program separate from your salt. Adding too much salt can dilute essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, and cobalt, which negatively impacts coat quality, health, and reproduction.
• Read the Ribs: To check an animal's condition, you must pull back a little on the hair and feel the ribs—you don't want to feel for fat. This is where judges check for proper body condition score.

Episode Highlights

• The importance of consistency in daily feeding routines for animal health and well-being.
• Why feeding too much corn can negatively affect a show animal's coat, and the supplements that actually build fill.
• The essential nutrients, including protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins, and how they differ for maintenance versus higher performance animals.
• Why fresh water intake, often stimulated by a lick tub, is the single most important nutrient for cattle.
• An explanation of rumen function and how starter feeds help calves transition effectively.
• Tailoring your nutrition program based on the animal's purpose: breeding, commercial, or show.
• Tips for showmanship, including how to check the animal's condition and the importance of having great feet and hooves.
• The difference between feeding for a beef-focused Highland and a typical feedlot animal, emphasizing a lower protein ration for a high-fat finish.

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"We learned a lot from our mistakes along the way." In this candid episode of Horns n Hooves, Taylor and Lori dive into the expensive, often unexpected lessons they learned when starting their cattle operations. They share essential, real-talk advice on hidden costs like vet bills and feed, the critical need for shade and water for Highland cattle, the importance of quality stock, and the non-negotiable step of BVD testing to protect your herd. Get the insider information you wish you had before bringing home your first calf!

Key Takeaways

• The Hidden Costs of Cattle Ownership - Beyond the upfront purchase price of a calf or cow, you must budget for major unexpected expenses like vet bills (for C-sections, scours, etc.), vitamins, and mineral supplements.
• Feed Costs and Environmental Impact - Don't underestimate the expense of hay, especially in the winter or during dry years when you're feeding hay all year. Also, understand how many acres you need and be prepared for higher costs when grass isn't available.
• The Critical Need for Shade and Water - Highland cattle, in particular, need shade in the summer, often retreating to trees or creeks during the heat of the day. When buying land, prioritize features like ponds and trees, as shade is necessary.
• Investment in Quality Stock and Insurance - Spending the money on good stock is crucial to avoid issues with "crap cows" and breeding problems.
• Calving Season and Fly Strike - Avoid prime summertime calves due to the extreme heat, which causes distress to both cows and calves. Calving in the summer also brings the real and dangerous threat of Fly Strike, which can happen fast and be fatal.
• BVD Testing is Non-Negotiable - Always BVD test any new animal coming onto your property, especially since cattle can be "shedders" of the virus (BVD PI) without showing any signs or symptoms. Quarantine bred cows until they calve and the calf tests negative, as BVD PI has no cure and can be passed to an unborn calf during the first 100 days of gestation.
• The Importance of a Great Vet and Setup - Find a large animal vet willing to work with miniatures and who offers 24/7 on-call service, as emergencies can happen quickly.

Episode Breakdown

• Unexpected and hidden costs of starting with cattle (Vet bills, vitamins, minerals)
• The high cost of feed and hay, especially in winter or drought conditions
• The essential need for shade and water for Highlands (trees, creeks, ponds)
• Lessons on bull management and the importance of insuring high-value cattle
• The value of having a proper chute and head gate before calving season starts
• The dangers of summer calving: heat and the deadly threat of Fly Strike
• BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) and BVD PI (Persistently Infected) testing requirements
• Finding a great vet who will work with your miniature/Highland herd

Horns & Hooves First Online Auction!

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our Horns & Hooves Online Auction happening on Sunday, November 16th.

Lori (Creekside Highland Haven) and Taylor (Hauser Homestead) have curated an incredible lineup for this special event, featuring micro, mini, and mid-sized Registered and high-park Highland cattle. You can check out videos and photos of the auction lineup and find the direct auction link on our social media pages soon.

Connect & Subscribe

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Edited and produc<

Welcome to the very first episode of Horns'N'Hooves! Hosts Lori Racicky (Creekside Highland Haven) and Taylor Hauser (Hauser Homestead) introduce themselves, sharing the wild (and often hilarious) journey that led them to Highland cattle.

From unexpected family tragedy inspiring a love of cows as therapy, to accidentally amassing a "funny farm" of donkeys, goats, and hundreds of Highlanders, find out how these two cattle women met and why they started this podcast to help you cut through the noise and avoid costly mistakes.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• 0:40 – The hilarious, unscripted reality of starting a podcast.
• 5:00 – How a persistent dad played matchmaker for two future cattle business partners.
• 7:45 – The best kind of therapy: How cattle helped Lori heal and honor her family.
• 11:05 – Taylor's "Funny Farm": Why miniature donkeys and KuneKune pigs are essential.
• 14:20 – A terrifying calving season story: When an in-heat cow tries to ride a newborn calf!
• 19:05 – The podcast's main goal: Dealing with the truth about "mini" Highland expectations, calf height, and quality that people don't talk about.

Horns & Hooves First Online Auction!

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our Horns & Hooves Online Auction happening on Sunday, November 16th.

Lori (Creekside Highland Haven) and Taylor (Hauser Homestead) have curated an incredible lineup for this special event, featuring micro, mini, and mid-sized Registered and high-park Highland cattle. You can check out videos and photos of the auction lineup and find the direct auction link on our social media pages soon.

We're just getting started! Don't miss our next episode where we dive deep into "What We Wish We Would Have Known" before we got started in the Highland world.

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Are you tired of sorting through bad advice about raising Highland and Highland Cross cattle? 🐄

Welcome to Horns and Hooves, the podcast that’s your go-to source for honest, real-world advice to help you make smart decisions for your farm.

Join your hosts, Lori Racicky (from Creekside Highland Haven) and Taylor Hauser (from Hausers Homestead), as they dive into the topics that matter most to you, sharing what works and learning from experience - not nonsense.

What to Expect Each Week:

• Real Talk: We keep it real, sharing honest advice and real stories from people who live the livestock life.
• Practical Takeaways: Get the practical advice you need to cut through the noise.
• Essential Topics: We cover everything from managing feed costs to navigating livestock auctions.
• Community First: Our mission is to build a community where everyone feels welcome, no matter how long you've been in the game. We've been there—juggling costly decisions and second-guessing every move—and the good news is, you don't have to anymore!

We'll be open about the topics others aren't, like cattle sizes, temperament, and quality. If you want practical, experience-driven advice for your herd, you came to the right place.

Hit that subscribe button and get ready to learn!

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