April 10, 2003

The Cattle Sale That Was 300 Years In The Making

By Cornell D. Upson

Dutch Belted cattle have a history dating back over 300 years in The Netherlands, and have been a part of the American dairy scene since the mid-1800s. While the breed languished in the 20th century, sustainable practices and grass based dairy production has refocused attention on the characteristics of this breed.

Henk and Barb VandenBrink of Hillsdale, WI sold their dairy herd on February, 2003. The centerpiece of the sale was their herd of recovered purebred Dutch Belted cattle. Approximately fifty Dutch Belted animals in various phases of the recovery program originated from seven cows Henk and Barb brought as calves from Alice Blaser of Tillamoook, OR. The Blaser herd was a longstanding, purebred, registered herd originating with Mrs. Blaser's father, John Hofmann in the early 1920s. The last time this many purebred Dutch Belted cattle were offered at auction was in 1977 when Ralph Swett of Vermont sold out.

Valentine's Day in Hillsdale was very cold but despite the temperature, a good crowd turned out to the sale. Many area farmers and Dutch Belted breeders were on hand to watch Hansen and Young Auctioneers from Prairie Far, WI conduct a very successful auction. Not only were the cows bred right, they looked right. It was a sight to look down the barn and see these cows lined up clipped, cleaned, and looking show ring-ready. Not only was it a pretty sigh, it was profitable. All the cows sold very well. Cows, heifers, and calves averaged over $1400 while the high cow for the day sold for $2350. Both the auctioneers and the VandenBrinks were very happy with the outcome of the sale.

Promotion of the sale in the Dutch Belted Bulletin, the newsletter of the Dutch Belted Cattle Association of America, and by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy point out the value of breed associations and breed networks. This advertising brought out very interested bidders who appreciated the qualities of this ancient breed. While many factors were involved to make this a great sale, the bottom line was that people bid up cows' prices because they wanted these cows. Most of the breeders, if not all, have other breeds in the barn, but they came, sometimes from great distances, to get more purebred Dutch Belted cows. With all sorts of management styles represented, these breeders agree that these cows are not only beautiful and friendly, but are practical and profitable. It was almost amusing to watch the non-Dutch Belted breeders at the sale shaking their heads in astonishment at the prices, asking "why?" The obvious answer is simply, "We believe they are worth it."

For more information about Dutch Belted cattle, contact the Dutch Belted Cattle Association of America (DBCAA), PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919-542-5704) bestyetaisires@juno.com. 

For information on other rare breeds contact American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, PO Box 477, Pittsboro, NC 27312 Ph.(919-542-5704) albc@albc-usa.org.