KippenHame Cattle
Our beef cattle are born and raised at KippenHame Farm. While our primary interest is in raising registered Polled Hereford breeding stock, inevitably our annual calf crop includes about a dozen bull calves. As farms typically require only one herd sire every three years, approximately half of our bull calves end up being raised for their beef.
Our animals receive a lot of TLC. We immunize our animals against common diseases and treat them for parasites which ensures a healthier, more content animal. We do NOT use growth hormones or antibiotics in their feed.
Our animals receive a lot of TLC. We immunize our animals against common diseases and treat them for parasites which ensures a healthier, more content animal. We do NOT use growth hormones or antibiotics in their feed.
Diet
From late spring until mid-fall the animals are on grass/legume pastures here at KippenHame. During the driest part of the summer season they are supplemented with free choice timothy and alfalfa. They are frequently supplied with free choice mineral licks to round out their dietary requirements.
From October to May, their primary diet is a high moisture hay, comprised of legumes such as alfalfa and clover, as well as grasses, primarily timothy and brome. The high moisture content comes from the “haylage” which is stored in large plastic tubes. This increases the digestibility and protein retention for the animal. They have free choice access to our loafing barn and/or shelters throughout the winter, with straw bedding, so they are always warm and dry.
All of our cattle receive a grain ration every day. Our feed grain programme includes corn, soybeans, barley and oats. The blend is determined by market prices for the respective commodities over time. A balanced mineral is integrated into their feed grain ration.
Our cattle have an abundant supply of clean drinking water from our farm wells.
We believe that this TLC approach to feeding and housing our animals has enabled us to limit sickness and use of antibiotics.
From late spring until mid-fall the animals are on grass/legume pastures here at KippenHame. During the driest part of the summer season they are supplemented with free choice timothy and alfalfa. They are frequently supplied with free choice mineral licks to round out their dietary requirements.
From October to May, their primary diet is a high moisture hay, comprised of legumes such as alfalfa and clover, as well as grasses, primarily timothy and brome. The high moisture content comes from the “haylage” which is stored in large plastic tubes. This increases the digestibility and protein retention for the animal. They have free choice access to our loafing barn and/or shelters throughout the winter, with straw bedding, so they are always warm and dry.
All of our cattle receive a grain ration every day. Our feed grain programme includes corn, soybeans, barley and oats. The blend is determined by market prices for the respective commodities over time. A balanced mineral is integrated into their feed grain ration.
Our cattle have an abundant supply of clean drinking water from our farm wells.
We believe that this TLC approach to feeding and housing our animals has enabled us to limit sickness and use of antibiotics.
Processing
Our beef is processed at one of two local government inspected abattoirs in the Ottawa Valley. The animals are shipped hours before processing, in small numbers, ensuring limited stress. In addition to providing the most humane treatment to the animal, this also offers the best opportunity for maximum tenderness in the beef.
Our beef is processed at one of two local government inspected abattoirs in the Ottawa Valley. The animals are shipped hours before processing, in small numbers, ensuring limited stress. In addition to providing the most humane treatment to the animal, this also offers the best opportunity for maximum tenderness in the beef.
Cattle Breeders: Please refer to the Breeding Stock page.