Farmers Downsize Flocks With Miniature Hereford Cows
Marissa Brassfield — May 24, 2009 — Business
It’s a tough market for farmers, and some are channeling their corporate brethren by doing some downsizing of their own by switching to miniature Hereford cows.
Unlike big cows, which can weigh over 1,300 pounds, miniature Hereford cows only weigh 500-700 pounds. Since they’re smaller and naturally eat less, they can survive on grass rather than grass and feed. And according to a Hereford cow farmer profiled in the Los Angeles Times, each mini cow will still produce 2-3 gallons of milk daily.
Will more farmers turn to miniature Hereford cows to survive in this tough economy? It’s sure possible. The Los Angeles Times says that there are now more than 300 miniature Hereford breeders in the U.S. now—far more than the two dozen that existed in 2000.
Unlike big cows, which can weigh over 1,300 pounds, miniature Hereford cows only weigh 500-700 pounds. Since they’re smaller and naturally eat less, they can survive on grass rather than grass and feed. And according to a Hereford cow farmer profiled in the Los Angeles Times, each mini cow will still produce 2-3 gallons of milk daily.
Will more farmers turn to miniature Hereford cows to survive in this tough economy? It’s sure possible. The Los Angeles Times says that there are now more than 300 miniature Hereford breeders in the U.S. now—far more than the two dozen that existed in 2000.
Trend Themes
1. Miniature Livestock Farming - The trend of downsizing livestock to adapt to economic pressures is creating opportunities for smaller livestock breeds and suppliers of miniature farming equipment.
2. Sustainable Livestock Farming - The smaller breeds eat less and can survive on grass making them an attractive option for sustainable and cost-effective farming operations.
3. Health and Wellness - Miniature Hereford cows produce milk that is in high-demand for health and wellness products leading to opportunities for producers and manufacturers in this area.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - The agriculture industry will benefit from the growth in demand for miniature livestock breeds and suppliers of equipment catered to small farms.
2. Sustainable Farming - Sustainable farming practices can be bolstered by the adoption of smaller livestock breeds that require less resources to raise and care for.
3. Health and Wellness - Both producers and manufacturers in the health and wellness industry can benefit from the high-demand of miniature Hereford cow milk.
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