Big Island Lowlines became involved with Lowline cattle in January of 2000 with the purchase of 4 fullblood heifers and 20 Australian and domestic embryos. Our embryos calved out in the fall of 2000, and along with our original live animals, formed the foundation of our present fullblood herd. We have added several outcross bulls to our operation to add to our genetic pool. We have flushed embryos for direct transfer and freezing, and have enjoyed good success with natural breeding.
The farm is owned and operated by Darrell and Barbara Gotaas, and Darrell’s father Paul. Murray and Annie Skippen are an invaluable part of the management of Big Island Lowlines, and house the cattle east of Sherwood Park. All of us enjoy telling others about the breed, and we welcome those who want to have a look at our animals.
We have exhibited our cattle annually at Farmfair International since 2000. Farmfair runs concurrently with the Canadian Finals Rodeo at Northlands Park in Edmonton during the beginning of November. We have shown in the Multi-Breed show at Farmfair International since 2004. We have noted a steadily increasing interest in the breed since our first show. We also participate in the Camrose Bull Congress which is held in Camrose, Alberta in January each year, and in the Alberta Farm and Ranch Show held at Northlands Park in March. We also attend the Lowline Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, as well as the American Lowline Registry annual meeting which runs at that time in January as well.
Big Island Lowlines has been successfully crossbreeding Lowline cattle since 2005. We are very excited about this aspect of our operation. We have had our halfbloods involved in steer sales at Farmfair International and at a show in the Alberta Farm and Ranch Show. They have been well received. We have crossed Lowline bulls with Galloway, Angus, and Simmental cattle.
Big Island Lowlines is among the largest registered fullblood Lowline cattle operations in Canada. We have always focused on raising sound, easy keeping, high yielding, grass fed cattle. |