About Us :: Sharidon Farms :: Lowline Cattle

Answers to common questions about Sharidon Farms Lowline cattle management.

We do not creep feed our calves.
We do not regularly feed grain to our cows or bulls.
We rotationally graze, primarily on fescue pasture with mix of some other cool season grasses and legumes.
We feed this same grass mix as hay in the winter to supplement, as needed, any stockpiled pasture.
We offer free choice loose mineral mix (no added antibiotic).
We do not implant growth hormones or routinely treat with antibiotic.

Heifer calves average 40-45 lbs at birth

Heifers are bred at 13-15 months of age, weight 550-650 lbs
First calf at 23-25 months of age, weighing 800-900 lbs

Mature cows 850-1000 lbs, hip height 43- 45”

Bull calves average 45-50 lbs at birth

Steers are generally cut at approx 10 months

Mature bulls 1200-1400 lbs, hip height 45-47”

We slaughter steers at 700-800 lbs, usually at or before 18 months. This timing is due to customer demand and desire for slightly smaller sides of beef. None of our customers have requested grain finish to evaluate rate of gain on grain ration.

We realize 50-55% retail cut from our carcasses, over our traditional cattle which yielded 40-45%

We began raising Black Angus cattle because it was important to us to know not only where our food comes from, and also how it is raised. Our cattle are pasture raised, not confined in a feedlot, without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Most importantly, we were looking for beef that was consistently tender and tasty. It wasn't long before we quickly found ourselves supplying beef to family and friend, then friends of friends who all wanted the same quality beef for themselves but who did not have the opportunity or desire to raise their own. As demand continued to increase for our quality, pasture raised and grass-finished beef we began looking for ways to maximize the potential of our small grass farm without risk of overstocking or compromising our management strategy. Lowline cattle have proven to be our breed of choice to help us meet our small farm objectives.

We are enthused about what the Lowline breed can offer, from youth projects to the small farmer to the commercial producer looking to moderate frame size and/or ease calving for first calf heifers.