These are our cattle.

Although Stephen and the kids all liked the chooks for showing I personally have always preferred the cows.

I do like the Orpington Breed, but not too many others.

The thing I prefer about the cows is the interactivity.

With chooks you wash them, dry them and put them in a pen and thats it really.

With the cows you have to build a trust, walk them and spend alot more time with them and I find this so relaxing.

Cows are all dicile when you show them as they are used to be handled but I can't believe the nature of the Highlands over all.

My personal opinion ...

Jerseys ...

Very stroppy and stubborn and sulk regularly.

Holsteins ...

Better temperaemented than the Jersey but not as quiet as the Highland.

They know they are bigger and more superior and so if they do spit the dummy look out.

Highlands ...

Do know they have horns, and can try to bluff, but overall are much quicker to settle down, the Calves are much more docile and interactive and a definite preference for me.

In saying all of this I love showing the cows over any animal any day regardless of breed.

Showing cows is very time consuming there is no doubt, but it's definitely a labour of love and something that each time you handle them brings a certain amount of relaxation and interactivity that is indescibable.

I remember talking years ago to an elderly lady at a show where we were exhibiting. Every year she would come and spend houors at the section and one day I asked her why. She explained she had grown up around cattle, both beef and dairy. She also expleined how when growing up when anything was wrong she would go and talk to her cow. She felt better because she had gotten it off her chest, she knew the cow couldn't tell anyone and even better the cow looked at her as though it understood.

I can't say I've personally done those things with a cow but I can certainly understand why someone would because they are just so georgous its easy to talk  to them I used to be a volunteer for the Ambulance Service, and we learnt to always expalin to the patient what you were doing, even if they were unconcious just in case they could here you, I do the same to my cows, very sad but true. I explain when I am washing them etc. Do I feel better, no, but I feel pretty glad no one is looking.

Anyway feel free to have a look at the girls. I will get photo's and updates etc as I get time. I really hope you enjoy looking around.