When it comes to finishing cattle on grass one of the most often disregarded subjects is genetics. In climates where there is ample rainfall and mild environment the breed of cattle is perhaps more forgiving. Our South Texas climate is hot, humid and the next drought is always looming. It’s not uncommon to go 90 or 120 days without rain. Temperatures often exceed 100 degrees during the summertime for more than 60 consecutive days. This harsh environment demands genetics that are hardy and thrifty, yet have the ability to finish (marble) on grass.

There are some breeders that have developed genetics that are adapted to our environment and have the ability to finish on grass. These breeders include Steven Lukefar in Kingsville, TX who developed STAR cattle, Pharro Cattle Co in Colorado who is developing their Solar Bulls, and the South Poll cattle developed by Teddy Gentry of Alabama. There are some other breeds out there that I haven’t included, simply because I have experience with the three listed. These breeds are top notch for finishing on grass, but having a pure-bred herd can come at a huge financial cost.

At Parker Creek Ranch we use South Poll, Red Devon, STAR and Solar Bulls with Longhorn cows. In the modern cattle industry Longhorns are virtually worthless receiving the lowest prices at auctions and looked down upon by so called progressive cattleman. Longhorns have been adapted to the Southern part of North America for over 500 years since the Spanish brought the first animals from Europe. In 1690 the first herd was driven North from Mexico to land that would eventually become Texas. The Longhorn cows we purchase are 100% Iberico genetics, meaning that they are direct descendants of the original Spanish Longhorns brought to the Americas. When selecting Longhorn cows it’s just as important to select for confirmation and fertility as you would with any other breed. Most breeders are selecting for horn size because that’s where the market is for Longhorns, but that is a trait I could care less for. Just like other breeders of cattle some do a fantastic job while others do not. Overall Longhorns are designed to thrive in harsh environments. They know how to thrive on what the ranch provides, horn fly resistant, fertile for years beyond most breeds, small framed cattle, thin bones meaning less bone to meat ratio, survive with little to no additional inputs, and ultimately pass on many of these traits to their cross calves.

To put things into context, at Parker Creek Ranch we direct market all of our beef products directly to the consumer and our stockers for other grass-fed beef producers. I could care less what price the cattle can fetch at the local auction barn. If I’m hauling cattle to the auction barn or the feedlot then I need to be selling black Angus or Angus cross cattle that have virtually no adaptations for our climate. Beyond their adaptations to our environment I can guarantee folks that purchase our stockers that they will finish on grass (with proper management of course). The really interesting attribute we have developed is the ability to finish on improved and/or native forages. We don’t run any of our cattle on irrigated pastures.

Our calves finish at about 24 months on little to no additional inputs other than what the ranch provides. I think the pictures of the marbled ribeyes speaks for itself. There’s two parts to the equation of successfully finishing cattle on grass: genetics and management. Each part is equally important and can result in flavorful, high quality, well-marbled grass-fed beef. You can order our beef directly from Parker Creek Ranch. If your interested in stockers Contact Us.