We will regularly update this page with short articles on topics that are targeted to those who are considering raising Lowlines and to those who are still new to the breed. We have found the Lowline cattle breed to be an extremely profitable and successful breed for our small farm. We'd like to share our experiences of things we have tried while raising Lowlines, both what we have found works and what doesn't work for us. This information can help you in your quest to create a profitable small farm raising these delightful Lowline cattle.  

Visit the Raising Lowlines Article Archive for past articles that might be of interest to you.

Raising Lowlines
What to look for in a sales agreement– breeding stock

Quality Lowline breeding stock are very profitable to raise and sell.  Buying quality stock is key to your future financial success.  To document your purchase for tax reporting  and potential insurance coverage to be sure you get a sales agreement that shows the value of each animal you purchase.  A sales agreement also goes a long way to set the expectations of both buyer and seller for this transaction. 

• Your sales agreement should include the date, the name and address of the seller and the name and address of the buyer. 

• For full blood breeding stock it is very important that you only purchase ALR registered animals.  I recommend not completing any purchase until you can review a copy of the issued ALR registration paper for each animal.   This ensures you know both that the animal is a full blood registered Lowline and is from the bloodlines you expect.  This could be very important particularly in a small herd where it would be a real limitation to your financial success to have all or too many of your animals too closely related to one another. 

• List each animal with name, sex, ALR registration number and sales price.  For females you will want to have it documented whether they are bred or open.  If they are bred be sure your sales agreement includes the name and ALR registration number of the bull to which she is bred as well as the expected calving date or time period (spring, etc).  If the cow was artificially inseminated was she later exposed to another bull?  If so, that bull should be listed as well.   If the bull your cow is bred to is not owned by the seller then the sales agreement needs to address who will obtain and pay for the breeders certificate from the owner of the bull. 

• Statement from the seller guaranteeing these animals to be breeding stock.  Bulls of breeding age are frequently sold with both health paper and breeding soundness exam.  Bred cows are typically confirmed bred on their health paper.

• Terms of payment.  If I am holding animals for a short period I require a 50% deposit.  The deposit is non-refundable unless the seller is unable to provide the animals in good condition at the time of pick up.  Full payment is required prior to pick up or delivery of the animals to the buyer. 
  
  
• Transportation is the last thing I include on all my sales agreements.  I specify who is responsible for the arrangement for and payment of transportation costs.    This is generally the responsibility of the buyer.   I also specify the date animals are to be picked up (or date range) or delivered.   Animals paid for but not picked up become subject to boarding costs and/or forfeiture of paid deposit.  I have heard about folks resorting to this but my customers are generally very eager to come get their Lowlines