Why Genetics Matter: Breeding for Indiana Weather
Here in Central Indiana, we don't get the luxury of a mild climate. We deal with high heat and heavy humidity in the summer, followed by icy, biting cold in the winter.
For a steer living strictly on pasture, that range of weather is a serious challenge. That is why we focus so heavily on genetics. We need animals that can thrive in our specific environment, not just survive in a barn.
The Coat Tells the Story
If you look at our herd throughout the year, you can actually see this adaptation at work.
In the Summer: Our cattle need to handle the heat. You will see them "slick off" their coats completely. A short, slick coat helps them stay cool when the humidity climbs. Just as importantly, that slick coat helps them resist flies. An animal that isn't stressed by heat or pests is an animal that can focus on grazing and gaining weight naturally.
In the Winter: When the seasons change, those same genetics trigger a different response. They put on a thick, dense coat to insulate against the wind and snow. This natural protection allows them to stay warm and healthy outdoors without relying on high-energy inputs just to maintain their body temperature.
Breeding for Resilience
We breed for this adaptability because we believe the healthiest animal is one that is in sync with its environment.
We aren't interested in industry trends that prioritize size over health. We stick to what we know from our own observations in the field. By selecting for animals that naturally slick off in summer and coat up in winter, we build a herd that requires less intervention and lives a lower-stress life
The result is consistent, high-quality beef raised in a way that respects the reality of our Indiana seasons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do your cattle have barns to sleep in during the winter?
A: No, our cattle live on pasture 365 days a year. Instead of barns, we rely on genetics. We breed animals that naturally grow a thick, woolly coat in the winter to insulate them against the cold. This allows them to stay warm and healthy outdoors in Central Indiana weather without needing climate-controlled buildings.
Q: What does it mean when a cow "slicks off"?
A: "Slicking off" refers to the process where a cow completely sheds its winter coat to reveal a short, shiny summer coat. This is crucial for handling Indiana's hot, humid summers. A slick coat allows the animal to release body heat efficiently and makes it much harder for flies and pests to attach to the skin.
Q: Why is breed selection important for grass-fed beef?
A: We select cattle that are in sync with our specific local environment. An animal that is stressed by the heat or shivering in the cold burns too much energy just trying to survive. By breeding for resilience, our herd stays low-stress and healthy, which results in consistent, high-quality 100% grass-fed beef.
