Dropping calves

I never liked that term. Most of the time the cows lay down to calve. Yesterday one of our black-baldy cows had a bull calf -- first-born of many brethren. I think we need a few sistern in there, too, because the cows are getting older and we need replacements.

Here's where DH and I part way. He wants all Angus, the solid black ones, because of calving ease, mothering ability and rate of growth. I think you can get all that and better temper, too, out of colored breeds -- Shorthorn or Hereford.

Ideally we need both. If we sell cattle at auction, black cattle bring the best prices because buyers assume the animals have Angus background and will produce high-quality meat. If we sell them for freezer beef, color doesn't matter. I believe we can get as good growth from the other two British breeds.

I wish I had not started thinking about replacement heifers. We have favorite ones among the old cows and I hate to think culling them.