Rocky Acres Shorthorns

Rocky Acres Shorthorns breeds registered Shorthorn cattle in Shady Spring, WV, serving ranchers and hobby farmers across Raleigh County near Beckley. It follows national breed association guidelines and conducts regular health screenings for genetic conditions common in Shorthorn cattle, including testing for disorders like tibial dysplasia and foot rot susceptibility. Its herd grazes rotationally on open hillside pastures rich in native grasses, and calves are handled daily from birth to promote calm dispositions, early socialization, and ease of handling at weaning.

The operation emphasizes conformation and maternal qualities, with offspring often showing strong instincts for nursing, consistent weight gain, solid frame scores, and good disposition valued by both smallholders and commercial producers. Pasture management and winter feeding programs support herd health through West Virginia’s varied seasons, combining silage reserves, hay supplementation, and mineral balancing to maintain condition from frost to heat. A focus on balanced genetics, careful culling, and welfare-minded practices ensures the cattle thrive under hands-on care, reflecting a philosophy that steady growth and temperament are equally important.