The Square Meater is a medium-sized cow from Australia. It’s a meat-producing cow that grows quickly and has a long lifespan. If you are thinking about purchasing one of these cattle for your farm but would like to know more about it first, keep reading while we discuss their origins, uses, appearance, and more to help you make an informed purchase.
Quick Facts About Square Meater Cattle
Breed Name:
Square Meater
Place of Origin:
Australia
Uses:
Meat
Bull (Male) Size:
1,500–1,800 pounds
Cow (Female) Size:
900–1,100 pounds
Color:
Silver or grey
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Climate Tolerance:
Hardy
Care Level:
Easy to care for
Production:
High-quality beef
Square Meater Cattle Origins
The Square Meater cattle breed was started in the early 1990s by a breeder named Rick Pisaturo who lived near Sydney in New South Wales. and he created the breed to satisfy the local demand for higher-quality beef. He developed it from Murray Grey cattle, another polled (hornless) breed from Australia, like the Square Meater. The Murray Grey cattle are resistant to facial eczema that affects many other breeds.
They grow quickly, are easy to handle, and are thrifty with the grass they consume, not requiring as much land as other breeds. It also has a strong walking ability and can travel a long distance in search of food without getting tired. It grows quickly, so you can use them for meat if needed, but they also have a long lifespan.
Square Meater Cattle Uses
Farmers primarily use Square Meater cattle for the high-quality meat Rick Pisaturo bred it to provide. It has plenty of muscle that performs well in carcass competition, and they are a good choice for producing small cuts of meat. As mentioned in the characteristics, due to their thriftiness with grass and ability to walk long distances, many farmers use them on land unsuitable for other breeds.
As we mentioned earlier, the Square Meater is a medium-sized cow with short legs. It has a large muscular body and usually weighs between 900 and 1,800 pounds. Most cows are grey or silver, but you can also find them in other colors like brown and even black. In addition, the skin has a dark pigmentation that helps reduce eye cancer and sunburned udders. These cows look similar to their Murray Grey ancestors and also don’t have horns.
Square Meater Cattle Population, Distribution & Habitat
The Square Meater is a hardy breed that is well suited to a variety of climates and is well suited to withstanding the variable climate and weather of Australia. This hardiness makes them suitable for many other parts of the world, including the United States, but since they are still a relatively new breed, their numbers are still low compared to other more popular breeds like the Black Angus.
Are Square Meater Cattle Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Yes. The smaller size, fast-growing speed, ease of handling, and long lifespan make it a great choice for a smaller farm. Another thing that makes these cows great for smaller farms is that they tend to make less noise than other breeds, so they are better suited to areas where neighbors are closer. The powerful body of the Square Meater can also be useful for pulling a plow or pulling a cart which will also be beneficial to a small farmer.
Summary:
The Square Meater is a new breed that is becoming increasingly popular because of its small size but large production of high-quality meat. It grows quickly and is easy to handle, so it’s a perfect choice for new farmers as well. It’s a hardy breed that can live in many different climates, and it can travel a good distance to make the most out of a small amount of food.
Featured Image Credit: Gena Melendrez, Shutterstock
