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

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves

Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast

TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast

Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_