“There’s no such thing as a perfect breed of beef cattle,” Frank Skym said, “but Braunvieh have so many good characteristics, they have to be close.” The quality of the beef and feed efficiency are close to the top of the list of characteristics Frank appreciates in his herd. Braunvieh cattle average a feed conversion of 6.71 pounds per pound of gain, according to the Braunvieh Association of America. Even though Braunvieh are heavily muscled, their marbling ensures a high grade of beef.
The Braunvieh cattle are a moderate size breed, with cows typically weighing 1,200 pounds. Mature bulls range in size from 1,800 to 2,500 pounds. Good udder quality along with large feet contribute to their longevity. “They are such good mothers that it is not uncommon to see two calves on one cow. Doesn’t bother them a bit,” Frank said.
The Skym Braunvieh Ranch specializes in raising commercial breeding stock. Frank noted the Braunvieh bull can be used with just about any breed, to improve the herd.
Frank wants about an 85 lb. birth weight on his calves. The calves are weaned at around 205 days. Frank bragged on one bull calf that weighed 680 pounds at 190 days old. He added that if he doesn’t have what a person wants in a bulls, however, he can help them find it.
All Frank’s calves are worked and vaccinated a couple of weeks before weaning, so they are used to the feed, and ready to grow. The cattle are also given a booster shot once a year.
Frank Skym and his wife, Waity, got back into the cattle business with mixed breed beef cattle. “I saw Braunvieh in ’96 and thought at first they were Brown Swiss. I bought a Braunvieh bull. As I found out more about the Braunvieh breed, I bought three registered cows at a sale. A little while later I bought 10 from another man, and the next thing you know, I’m in the Braunvieh business.”
The Lawrence County farm where Frank and Waity built the house they live in has 70 acres. They own another 40 acres close by, and rent another 80 acres. They buy most of their hay, for now. Frank said if he had to pick a breed over again, he might try Braunvieh cows and a different breed of bull, probably Angus.
There are two different herds on the ranch. They have full blood and purebred Braunvieh. The full bloods are naturally horned, are brown with a white band around the muzzle. All the animals in the pedigree trace to imported Braunvieh cattle. The purebred Braunvieh colors vary.
Keeping the farm a farm, and keeping it profitable and manageable is important to everyone, especially Frank. He has found two brothers from his chruch, Matthew and Jim Hansen, who wanted to farm, so he has taken them in to do the work. Frank said he wanted his farm to keep going after he was gone. Originally, Frank was building the farm for his son to take over. But his son, who lives in Minnesota, decided he didn’t want his father’s Missouri farm afterall. So, Frank has deeded the farm to the Hansen brothers, and has a life lease. He is there as an advisor, and has found this method mutually beneficial.
One concern Frank has for the future of his industry is the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.) “Their intention is to eliminate all animal production,” he warned. “Farmers have to do a good job of caring for their animals and educate their friends. We have to realize that most city people just don’t understand,” he added.
Like most farmers, Frank likes the farm life and loves his animals. He believes that if a farmer is mistreating his animals, he’s not going to be making a lot of money, and probably won’t stay in business. As for Frank, it’s only the best care and top management for his preferred breed: Braunvieh.
