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Beginning in early 1930s
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Beginning in the early
1930s, Tom Lasater, the breed's founder, developed Beefmasters from a systematic crossing of Hereford, Shorthorn and Brahman
cattle. His purpose was to develop cattle that were more productive than existing breeds; cattle that would produce and make
money during economically hard times in the harsh environment of South Texas. The new breed was developed on what has become
known as the Six Essentials - Weight, Conformation, Milking Ability, Fertility, Hardiness and Disposition. These essentials
became the economic strength of Beefmasters and have made them favorites with those who depend on cattle for a living. Beefmasters
are the only beef breed specifically developed to excel in these important economic traits.
While brownish-red is the
most common color, the breed has no color standards. Beefmasters were recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as
a pure breed in 1954.
Since the early 1970s, when the breed began rapid expansion from its South Texas birthplace,
Beefmasters have survived several wrecks in the cattle market without adversely affecting their growth and demand. From 1974
to 1998, membership in Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) grew from 300 to nearly 7,000. BBU, which was founded in 1961, is
the fifth largest beef breed registry in the United States in membership and sixth in registrations.
Responding to
change and tough challenges are part of the Beefmaster heritage. Today, like yesterday, Beefmasters and the cattlemen and
cattlewomen who raise them are ready. | |
Beefmaster are comprised of 50% Brahma, 25% Hereford, & 25% Shorthorn
cattle. The breed was developed on what has become known as the Six Essentials - Weight, Conformation, Milking Ability,
Fertility, Hardiness and Disposition. Beefmaster cattle have no color requirements and can be horned or polled.
However,
we prefer our cows to be polled for safety reasons. |
- Our cattle should be profitable for both buyer and seller.
- We want at least half of our customers to be repeat customers.
- We seek out the optimum in our cattle not the maximum.
- We will be honest in all aspects of our operation. We will
always tell you the truth about our cattle.
- Bulls and Heifers you buy from us will be born unassisted, from problem
free cows.
- Replacements we keep will be born unassisted from problem free cows.
- We will annually cull approximately 10% of our herd.
- Our cattle will be raised on a primarily forage based ration much
like a commercial herd.
- Calves will be raised to weaning with and without creep feed
or supplement.
- Herd bull selection for our herd will be based on our goal of optimum
production.
- An animal's performance will be more important to us than his pedigree.
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