2018 was a big year for many people, but it was also a big year for one particular steer in western Australia. In late 2018, the internet was gifted with a picture of a black-and-white Holstein Friesian named Knickers.
Knickers was only 7 years old at the time, which is a little older than most. Normally, he would be steak or hamburger by that age, however, this is not why he became so famous. Knickers stands 6'4" from hove to shoulder and weighs in at an estimated 1.5 tons or 3,000 pounds.
His owner did state that Knickers was way too heavy for the slaughterhouse. Knickers will continue to live his life on his farm in Lake Preston as a couch for members of his herd.
Related Stories
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.