Our philosophy has always been to produce cattle that have been bred and developed to thrive in a real-world environment. We offer bulls that are best of breed genetics that have been developed in an environment similar to yours. Over 90% of our cattle are the result of AI (artificial insemination), and our bull calves are never on irrigated pasture other than for a few days during transition from one grazing area to another.
Our cows and heifers are calved outside, and completely unassisted. We check them once a day to tag calves and collect birth weights. Because of our management philosophy, we cannot and will not tolerate poor udders or cows who will not mother their calf.
Our cows come to our home place long enough to be AI bred from January to March.
As soon as practical (usually around the 1st of March) the pairs are turned out on spring range where they will stay until late May. Our spring range consists of large pastures with sagebrush, cheatgrass, some bunch grasses, and lots of rocks. There is only one water source on these pastures so cows do have to walk to get to water every day.
As soon as practical (usually around the 1st of March) the pairs are turned out on spring range where they will stay until late May. Our spring range consists of large pastures with sagebrush, cheatgrass, some bunch grasses, and lots of rocks. There is only one water source on these pastures so cows do have to walk to get to water every day.
All of our pairs go to McCall and Donnelly Idaho during the summer where they graze on large native pastures. These pastures consist of timber, steep mountains with many rocky areas, some lush grass and a lot of hard grasses. Water sources are limited, so cattle often end up walking long distances to water. The bull calves do extremely well in this environment and wean heavy.
When our bull calves are weaned and return home around the middle of September they are in great condition. Because our bull calves have run outside until around ten months of age (in the rocks) their feet are in excellent shape, and they have grown their frame without getting too much condition. Consequently, we do not need to “push” our bull calves for rapid development in order to have them ready for the bull sale. Bulls are targeted to gain around 3.5 pounds per day on a high roughage ration while being developed at our home ranch in preparation for the sale.
While it is impossible for us to completely prepare our bulls for every environment they will be exposed to when they leave our ranch, we go to great lengths to expose them to as much of a “real world” environment as possible, so they will excel when they get to your ranch.
18061 Elbow Lane
Caldwell, ID 83607
208.230.5650
southmountainranch@gmail.com
