Episode Details

In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Dustin Hector welcomes Tim Montague of Lost Creek Farm for a conversation about Red Poll cattle, breeding priorities, and the future of the breed. Drawing on more than 43 years as a veterinarian, Tim explains why he values cattle that consistently perform their jobs with minimal intervention. 

Tim shares his agricultural roots in West Tennessee and the unexpected encounter that introduced Red Poll cattle into his herd. What began as a trip to purchase barbed wire eventually led to buying heifers and a bull, incorporating Red Poll genetics into commercial cattle, and transitioning to a purebred operation.

Today, Tim and his wife focus on quality over quantity, raising cattle selected for fertility, soundness, maternal ability, longevity, and efficiency. He describes the Red Poll breed’s English origins as a dual-purpose animal developed for both milk and beef production. Naturally polled, moderately sized, and known for a gentle disposition, these cattle offer traits Tim believes can help producers address management challenges.

The discussion explores pasture efficiency, adaptability, calving ease, udder quality, and the importance of cows that maintain themselves while raising a calf year after year. Tim explains how Red Poll cattle fit grass-fed beef programs while also performing well when finished on grain. He highlights their potential contribution to commercial crossbreeding through maternal genetics, disposition, fertility, and hybrid vigor, along with opportunities to develop recipient cows for embryo transfer.

As president of the American Red Poll Association, Tim discusses promoting the breed, supporting breeders, attracting new producers, and introducing genomics into the registration process through collaboration with the Australian Red Poll Society. He also previews the association’s annual meeting and national sale in Lexington, Tennessee, encouraging listeners to meet breeders and evaluate cattle firsthand.

For producers considering purebred Red Poll cattle or adding their genetics to a commercial herd, this episode offers a breeder’s perspective on building functional cattle that combine manageable temperament, productive maternal traits, and beef quality with lasting value on the farm.

For previous episodes of Genetics & the Gavel, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

Moly Manufacturing

Central Life Sciences

Medgene

Forge