Building Better Cattle with Genetics and Shade

Over the last 15 years, Shade Haven customer Zach Knutson has built a registered Beef Shorthorn herd through a breeding program focused on production traits: calving ease, strong maternal instinct, milk production and consistent annual calving.

“We cull pretty heavily on anything that requires calving assistance,” notes Knutson. “We want cows that have a calf every year and take care of that calf without intervention from us.”

The breeding program at Knutson Shorthorns in Zumbrota, Minnesota, relies exclusively on artificial insemination and embryo transfer genetics. This spring, Knutson added a Shade Haven mobile shade system to reduce heat stress, protect his investment in advanced genetics, and boost conception rates.

“Having the Shade Haven to keep them cool is very important when we are breeding in July and August for April/May calving,” says Knutson.

Shade That Moves with the Herd

Knutson raises moderate-framed Beef Shorthorns averaging 1,350 pounds. He rotationally grazes 30 brood cows with calves and replacement heifers on former corn and soybean fields that have been converted to perennial pasture. Because many of the paddocks have little or no natural shade, the Shade Haven is critical to his grazing plan.

“Being able to move that shade gives us a lot more flexibility to vary our paddock size and location,” says Knutson.

Having used the SH1200 Shade Haven for just a few months, he has already observed a change in his cattle’s behavior.

“We are seeing them spend significantly more time grazing than in previous years,” he notes. “I thought they would spend the hottest part of the day standing under the shade. Instead, they use it to cool down and return to grazing. It really makes me understand the benefit of shade for improving rate of gain.”

Knutson moves the Shade Haven through his rotation based on weather, cattle activity and soil condition under the structure. For him, ease-of-use with the Shade Haven really stands out.

“It is very clear that the Shade Haven was engineered by people who use it,” he says. “You can tell a lot of care went into making every piece of it easy and fluid.”

Focus on Quality

Knutson’s appreciation for quality is apparent throughout his cattle operation. Active in the American Shorthorn Association, he spent six months in Australia learning about genetics and grazing systems. That experience reinforced his belief that productive, low-maintenance cows with exceptional maternal ability are the foundation of a successful breeding program.

By combining a disciplined breeding program with tools that improve animal comfort and reproductive performance, Knutson has developed a herd positioned for long-term productivity and profitability.