“Charolais have always been the biggest weight gainers,” stated Jim Starkey owner of Starkey’s Southfork Ranch, in Harrison, Ark. “So why not raise cattle that perform the best and have the best production records?”
Jim’s Charolais endeavor began in 1960 when his brother David had invested in Charolais during a time when everyone else was raising Hereford cattle. Jim had been running commercial cattle but decided to purchase his first registered Charolais in 1979 from Harlan Rogers in Mississippi.
“Rogers had long-bodied cattle. In the beginning I bought lots of momma cows from Rogers and my first bull was from there,” shared Jim. But over the last 20 years Starkey’s Southfork Ranch has raised the majority of their cattle.
“Most of my herd bulls in the last 10 to 15 years have Lindskov-Thiel bloodlines. They are the number one Charolais breeder today. I buy bulls from Arkansas and Missouri breeders that have AI programs out of Lindskov-Thiel,” explained Jim.
Starkey’s Southfork Ranch has built their herd through AI programs. “My children used to show cattle so I used AI. Now we just use natural breeding. I have their influence in most of my cows. That’s how I’ve built up my herd over the last 10-15 years,” said Jim.
Jim pays close attention to breeding, recording keeping, herd health and pasture management in order to produce more pounds.
“We’re selling pounds. If a cow doesn’t produce enough milk, then she isn’t producing pounds,” stated Jim.
The herd at Starkey’s Southfork Ranch is divided into spring and fall calving seasons. “Every time we work cattle we preg check. If a cow doesn’t get pregnant then she’s gone,” added Jim. However, Jim will give heifers a second chance and hold them for another 6-month breeding cycle.
“I breed about 20-25 cows to one bull. We do not line breed. Herd bulls are rotated out at about 5 years old,” stated Jim.
Jim keeps extensive records on each animal. “I’m a planner,” Jim said as he pulled out his record book from his pickup.
When calves are born they are weighed and tagged. The calves are weaned on a dry lot and fed hay and grain. Bulls and heifers are fed until 16 months old. “If a calf doesn’t weigh 500 pounds at weaning, I cull the momma,” explained Jim.
“We raise our cows from babies. We calve at 2 years old and I will generally keep a cow until she is 14-15 years old. We breed to reduce the size of the head and shoulders for ease of calving,” he said.
Jim continued, “Customers want to know birth weights. We select genetics for low birth weights.”
Starkey’s Southfork Ranch is in the business of selling registered Charolais bulls. “We’ve been selling bulls since 1979. We raise bulls that will help the commercial breeder produce more pounds. All of our bulls are semen checked prior to the sale. I keep two bull pens of 10-25 bulls depending on where I think the market is headed,” said Jim. All of his bulls are sold private treaty right off the farm.
Keeping the herd healthy is high priority for Jim; “My herd is vaccinated twice a year by a vet. I take all preventative measures to keep the herd healthy. I learn a lot from the Extension Service when it comes to improvements in health.”
Jim uses rotational grazing on 14-15 fescue and breumdagrass fields on 600 acres.
When it comes to advice Jim turns to long time Charolais breeder and friend Everett Buckner, of Charleston, Ark. Jim shared, “Everett and I have traded in the cattle business for a long time. At one time we were really involved in the Arkansas Charolais Association together. We would host the Arkansas Charolais Sale here on my ranch.”
Jim concluded, “I really enjoy cattle. I believe in raising pounds and Charolais has helped me get the best weight gains over the year.”
