5 Best American Breeds of Cattle (With Pictures!)

Looking to add a herd of cattle to your farm or homestead? With so many diverse and beautiful breeds to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down your search.

While some of the most popular cattle in the US are imported breeds, don’t discount the breeds born and bred in America. Some breeds are better for beef, while others will produce delicious, creamy milk. Think about the type of goods you want to sell from your cattle and that will give you a good idea of which type is right for you. 

If you need help deciding, here you’ll discover the 5 best American breeds of cattle that are providing popular with farmers and ranchers across the country.

Best American Breeds of Cattle 

1. Texas Longhorn cattle

The Texas Longhorn is undoubtedly one of the most popular breeds of American cattle. Created by crossbreeding English cattle and Spanish stock, the breed is largely categorized by its huge, impressive horns. 

Available in a great choice of colors, these cows are naturally resistant to various cattle diseases. They have a fascinating history, and they produce excellent quality beef. They can continue breeding into their teen years, and they are considered docile and easy to handle. 

Another benefit of Texas Longhorn cattle is they are highly adaptable. They can be kept in a wide range of climates and conditions. As well as beef, you can also make money from their horns and hide. 

If you are looking to add a hardy, popular breed of cattle to your farm or homestead, the Texas Longhorn is definitely worth considering. 

Related: 5 Overlooked Disadvantages Of Texas Longhorn Cattle

2. Brangus

Another popular crossbreed, the Brangus is bred from Angus and Brahman cattle. It is well known for its resistance to heat, making it ideal for farms and homesteads in more tropical climates. 

The breed was developed in the 1930s, boasting the hardiness of the beloved Brahman breed, and the carcass benefits of the Angus breed. 

Registered Brangus cows have a 3/8 Brahman, and 5/8 Angus percentage. They are black or red in color, and it takes the bulls two years to mature. Females are known to be excellent mothers, and the breed has excellent resistance against bloat and ticks. 

Raised for their beef, this popular breed is a fantastic forager. This means they are capable of producing excellent beef even if they don’t have access to a lush pasture. 

3. American milking Devon

Sean, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A rare breed of cattle, the American milking Devon is raised for both beef and milk. It was recognized as a separate breed from the native English breed in 1978 when the American Milking Devon Cattle Association was founded. 

Red in color, these medium-sized cows can survive on a low-quality diet in harsh conditions. They are hardy, produce Jersey milk, and they are favored for their great-tasting beef. As their calves are quite small, they don’t suffer the same birthing troubles as some other breeds. 

If you are looking for a cattle breed that is easy to care for and provides several income opportunities, the American Milking Devon is an ideal choice. 

4. Beefalo

Karl Young, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the more unique breeds of cattle, Beefalo are a cross between domestic cattle and buffalo. Combining the benefits of Bovine breeds and buffalo, the cattle originate from the 1960s and is renowned for its hardy nature and excellent milking ability.

They tend to be easy to handle, and as well as milk, they also produce some of the richest meat. This breed is also more efficient to keep than many other breeds of cattle, making them an excellent choice for those worried about the cost of upkeep. 

5. Florida Cracker

Florida Cracker Cattle Association, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

The final breed on the list is the Florida Cracker. This is one of the oldest, and rarest breeds of cattle in America. As their name suggests, they originate from Florida, and they are a Criollo-type breed that is closely related to the popular Pineywoods cattle.

These small, horned cows are highly resistant to parasites, and they are available in many different color options. They are docile, easy to manage, and they can be raised for meat and milk. Used to tropical climates, these cows will do well, even in a low-quality pasture. They also have a great lifespan and are largely found in the deep south of the United States. 

If you are looking to add American-bred cattle to your farm or homestead, the above are some of the most popular breeds to consider. Each has its own pros and cons, so it is worth researching further into each breed before deciding which one is the right option.