Caswell County has many unique businesses that bring something new to the table. One of those is Locust Hill Farms which first purchased Gelbvieh cattle in 2001. The cattle operation began after the “home” farm converted tobacco fields into pastures.
Today the farm has over 250 brood cows. “Our breeding program includes extensive artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer which allow Locust Hill to have the highest advanced genetic cattle possible,” says owner Todd Hodges. “Our goal is to produce the highest quality seed stock for the cattle industry. This includes breeding bulls and heifers. All this to help cattle producers establish sound, productive herds with our high-quality genetics.”
Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle are well known throughout the beef industry for their maternal strengths and superior growth. With attributes such as more pounds of calf weaned, added fertility, greater cow herd longevity and heavier carcass weights, just to name a few, Gelbvieh and Balancer offer genetics that work for the commercial cattle business.
Balancer cattle are registered hybrid seedstock that have documented pedigrees and expected progeny differences (EPDs). Balancer animals are 25 to 75 percent Gelbvieh with the balance of Angus or Red Angus. Balancer cattle combine the Gelbvieh growth, muscle, leanness, fertility, longevity and low yield grading ability with the carcass qualities of Angus.
Balancer cattle offer a simple and powerful way to maintain hybrid vigor and a profitable blend of British and Continental genetics without a complicated crossbreeding system. These cattle fit well into all aspects of the beef industry including commercial cow/calf operations and on the rail.
In addition to Gelbvieh cattle, Hodges raises Angus (black and red) and Balancer cattle. “We cross breed Gelbvieh and Angus to produce the Balancer Cattle. Balancer is a hybrid breed of beef cattle, a combination of Gelbvieh and Angus. These cattle are bred for their hybrid vigor, resulting in a higher growth rate and better-quality meat. The Benefits of Balancer Cattle include their superior reproductive traits and their excellent growth trends. They retail a high-quality yield of beef. Plus, they have higher pregnancy and weaning rates, helping farmers bottom lines,” he explains.
You may have seen a few recent ads about an upcoming production sale. “Locust Hill Cattle Co., LLC is offering on Saturday, February 19, 2022, the first production sale at the farm. This will allow cattle producers the opportunity to purchase Locust Hill genetics for the first time at auction on the farm. This offering includes sound bulls ready for breeding, bred heifers and open heifers. The offering will include the Balancer genetics along with some select Gelbvieh and Angus cattle.
The sale also includes the 2021 Supreme Champion Bull from the NC State Fair. Locust Hill Cattle Co., LLC was honored that our bull LHC “Ricky Bobby” 0183H was honored as Supreme Champion. ‘He Sells’, said Hodges. Also in the offering is LHC ‘Chucky’ 0165H, the North American International Livestock Expo Grand Champion Balancer Bull.
There will be approximately 30 bulls and 20 heifers/cows at the sale taking place at our Oakhaven facility on Feb. 19, 2022. Cattle will be available for viewing on Friday, February 18. On Friday, we will also offer an educational program provided by the local Extension Service. Locust Hill will be having a Cattleman’s social Friday evening including dinner,” shares Hodges. For more information call 828-442-6869.
As published in the Caswell Messenger Feb 3 2022
