OPTIMUMS NOT MAXIMUMS

At Kiesewetter Angus, we don't believe the best cattle are created by chasing the highest number for every trait. The linear pursuit of the most growth or the most marbling is antagonistic with maternal strength and profitability. We believe in selecting for the optimum combination of traits that allow cattle to thrive in the environments where they live and work.

Every trait comes with tradeoffs. Selecting for extreme milk production can reduce fertility and increase nutritional requirements. Pushing marbling to the extreme can sacrifice muscle expression. Selecting only for calving ease across generations may produce smaller calves, but it can also reduce growth and limit the long-term productivity of replacement females.
 
Rather than breeding for extremes, we focus on balance. Our goal is to produce cows that maintain body condition, breed back consistently, raise heavy calves, and remain productive for many years. We believe cattle should work with their environment,

not fight against it.
 
While some traits, such as foot quality, udder structure, and longevity, can be aggressively selected without creating negative consequences, most economically important traits require balance. That's why every mating decision begins with one question: 

Will this create a better, more efficient and more functional cow?