Ask the Vet

Yellowhammer Cattle

What's a "Yellowhammer" in the cattle world? Many have heard of a bird called the "yellowhammer" but one reader wants to know about the milk cows that went by this name. (DTN/Progressive Farmer photo)
What's a "Yellowhammer" in the cattle world? Many have heard of a bird called the "yellowhammer" but one reader wants to know about the milk cows that went by this name. (DTN/Progressive Farmer photo)


By Dr. Ken McMillan
DTN/The Progressive Farmer Contributing Editor

Question:

In the 1940s, my uncle made his money feeding what we called "Yellowhammers" bought from Missouri. I think they were milking stock bred to Hereford or Angus. Have you ever heard of them?

Answer:

I can't say I've heard that name, but there are many colloquialisms for animals in different parts of the country.

Growing up in south Alabama, I had never heard of a "thoroughbred dog" until I moved three hours north to where I now practice, at Cropwell. I thought a thoroughbred was a horse but came to find out it was a purebred dog of any breed.

Maybe some readers from Missouri or Illinois know about Yellowhammer cattle and can give us both a helping hand.

Email me at vet@progressivefarmer.com.

(VM/CZ)

Copyright 2016 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.

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