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The Lowdown on Lowlines
and 20 full-blood Lowline cows in their herd. Within their three calving units, the Adamsons
produce approximately 2,450 calves/year. Of those, 300 have Lowline influence and the
remaining 2,150 have Chiangus, Maine Anjou and Simmental influence.
In the last five years, Rocking J Ranch and its partner George Jenkins of North Platte, NE,
have shown their Lowline cattle nationwide, winning championships at every major Lowline
show. Their full-blood Lowline bull, nicknamed The Brick, has been crowned Grand Champion
or Reserved Grand Champion at every major Lowline show in the U.S.
“The Lowline show, with 254 head in competition, was the second-largest breed show at Den-
ver in 2008,” Jerry says. “Lowlines are beginning to show up at cattle shows across the country
and a lot of Midwest fairs. At the 2007 Denver Fed Beef Contest, held in conjunction with the
National Western Stock Show, our pen of half-blood Lowline steers raised at the Rocking J
Ranch placed second to the Grand Champion Entry.”
Meat produced from Lowline-influenced cattle falls into the fine-textured category and is very
tender, Adamson says. He adds that the combination of increased profitability of Lowline
genetics and high quality of Lowline beef gives producers two highly desirable traits for current
beef markets.
“The meat is extremely palatable,” Adamson says. “Everyone comments on its tenderness.”
The Adamsons offer percentage and full-blood Lowline bulls, retaining the majority of their heif-
ers. They expect demand to grow as producers realize the benefits of smaller-framed cows.
Jerry notes that producers interested in downsizing cows need to factor in their bull’s maternal
bloodlines in order to be successful.
“Perception is a big driver in decisions about genetics,” Jerry says, “but the facts about the
total pounds of beef produced from an acre of grass are the best measure of profitability.”