The Cattle Care Continuum at Hardesty Cattle Co.

At Hardesty Cattle Co., the attentive care of the cattle extends from their early days as calves to the point of butcher readiness. The process commences with strategic breeding twice a year, timed during the optimal spring and fall seasons.

Focused attention is devoted in the early months, ensuring the health and well-being of the young calves. Calves spend about six months nursing their mothers. As they mature, a gradual wearing process begins, transitioning them to a diet tailored to their nutritional needs.

Around the three-month mark, a controlled feeding regimen is introduced to achieve a weight gain of approximately 3 pounds daily. The meticulous weight management persists throughout their growth, reaching about 700 pounds at six months, with the ultimate goal of achieving a weight between 1,200 - 1,300 pounds before the cattle are considered ready to butcher.

The cycle spans approximately 15-18 months, from calf to butcher, with each phase carefully overseen to ensure optimal health and meat quality. The focus lies not only on attaining the desired weight but also on preventing the cattle from becoming overly fat, leading to undesirable meat waste.

Hardesty Cattle Co. is committed to quality at every stage, reflecting a profound understanding of the animals’ well-being and the significance of delivering superior beef to their customers.