Swedish Red Cattle: Breed Profile

Swedish Red cattle come from Sweden and were developed for milk, fertility and health, with careful record keeping and selection. They are red or red and white. The breed has been used in dairy crossbreeding programs in North America.

Purpose

Swedish Reds are raised for milk and are used in crossbreeding with Holsteins for improved health and fertility.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is kept in small numbers in North America, mostly as crossbreeding stock.

What to look for in a Swedish Red project animal

Look for a red coat, a dairy frame, a well-attached udder and a calm temperament. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Swedish Red 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

• Health and fertility traits
• Distinctive color
• Growing interest in crossbreeding
• 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

• Few purebred animals and classes
• Judges may not know the breed
• Limited availability
• 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 Swedish Red. 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

Swedish Reds are a specialty dairy breed, best for students with a breeder nearby.

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 Rancher Tries Yoga, Accidentally Invents “Cowmaste” Movement, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.