Kerry Cattle: Breed Profile

Kerry cattle come from County Kerry in Ireland and are small, black, hardy cattle with white-tipped horns. They were developed on poor mountain pasture and are among the oldest European breeds.

Purpose

Kerry cows were kept as family cows for milk and meat, and are valued for hardiness and the ability to thrive on little.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is very rare in North America, with a few breeders and conservation efforts.

What to look for in a Kerry project animal

Look for a small, black body, white-tipped horns, a well-attached udder and a calm eye. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Kerry at 4-H and FFA

Dairy cattle are judged on dairy character, udder, structure and, in showmanship, the handler. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

Great heritage story
Small size is easy to handle
Hardy on poor forage
Dairy shows have a long tradition of youth classes, with showmanship, breeding classes and clipping and fitting skills to learn.
A heifer can be raised, bred and milked, which makes a project that lasts for years.

Cons

Very few breeders and classes
Judges may not know the breed
Limited milk production compared with major breeds
Dairy animals need care every day of the year, and milking cows need milking twice a day.
Quality heifers and the feed to raise them cost real money.

Caring for your project

Expect daily feeding, grooming and clipping before the show. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Kerry. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

Are she and her parents registered, and what are the dam’s production records?
Did she get colostrum soon after birth, and how was she raised?
How has she been handled, led and clipped?
What vaccinations and health care has she had?
What daily labor and facilities will she need at my farm?

Bottom line

Kerry cattle are a conservation project for students with strong support.

To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Dairy Farmers Told to Enroll in Next Year’s Safety Net, Ask If It Covers This Year, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.