Mini-Cows Help Ranchers Buck Rising Costs

Smaller cattle cheaper to raise but still deliver good meat

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2009 4:59 PM CDT

(Newser) – Facing higher feed costs, ranchers aren’t having a cow—they’re merely downsizing them, the Los Angeles Times reports. Mini-cows have become the latest trend on farms around the country, because many eat less and are easier to handle, but produce 50% to 75% the rib-eyes and fillets of their normal-sized brethren. “We get more sirloin and less soup bone,” said one rancher.

“People used to look at them and laugh. Now, they want to own them.” The smaller calves, which can fit in a person’s lap, are naturally petite; ranchers have had to rework their estates to accommodate the mischievous creatures. Still, “a regular cow is just too much animal for me," said one 5-foot-2 farmer. “Besides, these are adorable.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Ranchers across the country have been snapping up mini Hereford and Angus calves that fit in a person's lap. (Shutter Stock)

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Carolyn Peevler also considers them 'green' red meat: They cause less wear and tear on her pasture land and fences and, she said with a laugh, they emit less methane gas. - P.J. Huffstutter,
the Los Angeles Times

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Mini-Cows Help Ranchers Buck Rising Costs