Pastures are fenced into paddocks which allow bulls and heifers to be separated at weaning. This also doubles as a short rotational grazing system. Each paddock is provided clean well water and houses for the cattle to get in, should the weather turn bad.
Calving is mainly in the fall and spring. Calves are weaned at 7 months of age. Records are sent in to the Angus Association to evaluate performance.
Bulls that are not culled at weaning go on a "On Farm" feed test. They are fed 12 lbs. of a 13% ration daily. The weight gained averages between 2.5-3.5 lbs. per day. Feeding a limited amount of grain allows the bulls to develop on their own without over conditioning the animals. There is no "Back-off" time needed by feeding this way and customers can buy a bull that can go right to work.
Stones River Angus was the Feature Farm in the Tennessee Cattle Business December 2004 edition.
