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We have only been into the British White cattle for a few years. Our family consists of my husband, our 2 sons, daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandkids. Everyone is involved in some way with these cattle whether it is every day or during hay season. Our grandkids love to go out and pet these cattle which "outsiders" cannot fathom. Even my parents worry that we are in the pasture with them, and say "you can't be near a bull--you will be killed."
We have a new vet and it is so funny when they first see these wonderful cattle. Four different vets have been at our farm (never because of illness by the way) and the first thing they say is "I have been in the business a long time" or "I don't want to sound ignorant" "but . . . what are these?" I love it! We were shipping a few to Wisconsin and the vet and I got our wires crossed. He called me sitting at the farm and we didn't have the cattle separated. Our farm is still in the phase of getting organized so we don't have a great setup yet.
This vet came out into the pasture with us and got them separated. They got all excited that a new person was out there and started showing off, jumping, kicking, head butting each other, just plain old playing. We got them into our version of a holding pen (just a 1/2 acre of fenced area) then we weeded out the ones that were not going. Our bull in in with them all the time and he was the last one to go back out. It was so funny to see him try to get our bull out of that area. He was extremely slow walking back. There was no running because he is perfectly content and extremely gentle.
After the vet checked the ones that were going to Wisconsin he asked very detailed questions. He said he could tell they were beef cattle and when he saw them jumping around he thought for sure he was going to get kicked or mauled to death. He couldn't believe how gentle they were when we put them into the chute and actually, some of them didn't even go into the chute--he just checked them while they stood there. He asked how long we had the bull and I said 1.5 years and he was in Missouri prior to that. He said, "Are all bulls that gentle?" and I said yes. I think he is going to turn British White soon.
I am so proud to show anyone these cattle. Everyone that comes to the farm loves them, thinks they are beautiful and can't believe you can go up to them and pet them. To me they are anyone's therapy. If I have a bad day at the office I pack up and tell everyone I am going to the farm. They know that means I am taking my 4-wheeler and sitting on it in the middle of the cattle. They will hang out with me and it is the closest thing to heaven you will find!
About the Author:
I live in Central Minnesota with my husband. We have 2 sons, daugter, son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren who all help at the farm. I turned cattle-lover from horse-lover a few years ago and no one can believe it.
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Why We Love Our British White Cattle