Cow Comfort Meets Genetic Excellence

After purchasing his farm – Windland Flats – in 2007, Josh Krenz researched various cattle breeds before ultimately choosing Highland cattle. Today he is a respected authority on Highland breeding and genetics, with a 60-head herd which he intensively grazes on his 100-acre farm in Princeton, Minnesota. This spring, he enhanced his grazing program with two SH600 Shade Haven mobile shade systems.

“In the past, our rotations were limited based on where the shade was,” says Krenz. “We had to skip rotations because the cattle did not have access to shade. That’s the beauty of the Shade Havens—we now have the ability to utilize every square inch of our farm.”

Conception Rates and Shade

Reproduction and conception rates are a top priority for Krenz, who has worked with artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer with his Highlands for several years. Due to their heavy double coat, Highlands tend to run a higher internal temperature than other cattle breeds. Because internal body temperature is critical to reproduction, protecting his cattle from heat is essential.

“Highland cattle have a high need for shade and access to fresh, cool water,” notes Krenz. “We’ve used feed additives to bring body temperature down to help with reproduction. Giving them more access to shade with the Shade Havens was the next step to increasing conception rates – especially with those AI embryos.”

Grazing with Shade

Krenz moves the cattle daily along with the Shade Havens, which he pulls with a Polaris Ranger. “Moving the Shade Haven is very simple,” he notes. “Just pop up the jacks, straighten out the tongue, and away you go.”

Each SH600 is equipped with a protein tub holder and fly control oiler/scratcher, enhancing their functionality in the pasture. Krenz also appreciates the durability of the mobile structures – even around his 2000-pound bulls.

He intends to test the shades with his 20 head of Shetland sheep later this summer. Raised for breeding stock and show, the sheep serve a purpose closer to home on this family farm – as starter livestock for his young children.  “They can handle the sheep now, and then move into the cattle,” he says.

Krenz purchased his two SH600 Shade Havens with the help of a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant was designed to help livestock producers implement practices on their farms to help deal with the impacts of drought conditions.  That includes shade for livestock.

Breeding Stock and a Growing Brand

Selling Highland breeding stock is the primary income source for Windland Flats, with both females and males listed on its website.  “There are a lot of people getting into Highland cattle right now,” says Krenz, “both new breeders and experienced breeders looking to diversify their herds.”

The farm also sells packaged portions of its grass-fed Highland beef under the Windland Flats brand on its website and at a local grocery store. Krenz has partnered with other Highland farms who also sell their meat under the Windland Flats brand. “Some farms don’t have the ability or interest in marketing, or they have only a few animals,” he explains. “By partnering with us, they have an outlet to sell their beef.”

Upcoming Learning Opportunity

Active in both national and regional Highland cattle associations, Krenz will host the North Central Highland Cattle Association Summer Picnic on Friday, July 19. Though targeted toward Highland breeders, the event is open to anyone interested in Highlands. It’s also an opportunity to see a Shade Haven in action.

“We expect there to be 80 to 100 people here from all over the Midwest,” says Krenz. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about Highland cattle and network with highland breeders.”