Here in Canada, as well as almost every country except the US, Shorthorn popularity in the commercial sector, is growing by leaps and bounds. The Shorthorn breed has regained some lost ground in Australia, where they were once one of the most popular breeds. Shorthorn sales are again strong with the commercial producer being the major player at these. The Shorthorn breed was put on the endangered breed list in Britain, during the 90s and they have made a resurgence and are now one of the hottest breeds with amazing breed growth. The prices being paid by commercial cattlemen in Britain are amazing. More Shorthorn semen has been sold into Brazil in the past year than in all the years previously. Here in Canada, particularly Western Canada, I am positive that Shorthorns are being looked at by commercial producers as a legitimate breed choice. I agree with Okotoks and jaimiediamond that the breed has great potential here. The road to gaining breed popularity is a very hard one, but it is worth it when you see increased sales. We have always had pretty good female sales, but we are now seeing better bull sales. I maintain that any breed needs to develop commercial bull sales if they are going to see breed popularity grow. We are seeing more and more Shorthorn bulls going into commercial herds, and in my herd, my Shorthorn cross calves from my commercial herd, always sell extremely well. I am not seeing any discounts even on roans, in fact, if the right buyers are at the sales, they bring a premium. I don't think a person could produce enough Shorthorn cross females to fill the demand. I do not know why more people are not getting into the production of Shorthorn F1 females. If I was a younger man, I would be chasing this one for sure.
In the US, it is a totally different deal, and the Shorthorn breed will continue to have a place, but the black hided deal has created a very artifiical marketplace. I get sick every time I think of the feeders and packers who are literally stealing these cattle from producers, and making huge profits on them once they are harvested. Okotoks mentioned that in the 80s, black cattle were discounted in our markets. That is very correct. My dad always liked Angus cows, and I remember him often saying, that he would love to have 20 good Angus cows, but he did not know what you would do with the calves. I am old enough to remember going to the major bull sales, and feeling so sorry for the Angus breeders who passed bull after bull through their sales.
The American Angus Association should get some major marketing awards for designing a market place that ensures the popularity of their breed. They must sit in their offices and roll with laughter sometimes, when they look back and see how easy it was to make this happen. I give them all the credit, and ALL other breeds have to take the responsibility of sitting back and allowing this to happen.