At BROKEN OAK RANCH we believe in having only functional and performance cows in our extensive herd. Our breeding decisions are based on many items including expected progeny performance, phenotype, and past performance. We are unforgiving in our cull decisions.

 First and foremost a female that does not bring a calf to the weaning pen is of no use to us. Maternal instincts and fertility are our number one goal followed with a calf raised that we feel is good enough for our replacement program. Disposition problems are something that we do not have much problem with as Braunvieh are noted for their docile nature but is absolutely not tolerated. We believe in keeping extensive records on our cattle and our female herd is our number one priority for us.

 The conditioning on these cattle in the pictures to the left is from improved Bermuda grass pastures. No supplemental feeding during grazing season and very little during winter time. We are in the cattle business first and foremost, we are not hobby breeders but dedicated cattle people. In order for us to market functional replacement cattle they have to start with a solid functional factory like the cows you will find at BROKEN OAK RANCH.

 We use an extensive pasture rotational program on our 4000 acres which not only allows us to best utilize our Bermuda pastures but one great side benefit is that our cattle are very use to human contact which helps us evaluate our herd on a regular basis. A whole herd health program, a solid mineral program allow for us to identify and address problems immediately. We DNA verify all of our animals which lets us identify genetically the outstanding performers and the under performers to help insure that we are making sound breeding decisions. By the end of 2008 all of our cattle will be tested for BVD and any infected animals will be culled. To date we have not had one test positive.

 We have never lost sight of the fact that our main customer is the commercial cattle person. The picture at the left represents one of our commercial pairs. We recognize that most calves are sold at weaning and our philosophy of pounds on the ground really comes through here, however, we believe and purse the fact that you also need carcass quality for our customers who retain ownership. Quality beef for the end user is what we breed for and to get this you must start with an outstanding cow herd like you will find at BROKEN OAK RANCH.