dual-purpose excellence

While the Normande has always been used for dairy, it has always presented strong dual-purpose qualities. In France, the Normande has always been known for its unsurpassed marbling quality, flavor and tenderness, and regularly wins blind tests for its taste. A special label for Normande meat enjoys great popularity in major supermarkets. In the US, Normande bulls have won growth tests at various test stations (River Falls, Arlington) and carcasses have often ranked first at major beef shows. Normande bulls calves sell for higher prices than dairy ones all over the U.S. But cull cows constitute an tapped source of income for most Normande breeders in the U.S.. Contrary to common thinking, cull cows with good carcass qualities, such as the ones provided by Normande cows, are a great source of prime beef, and not just hamburger material. Typically the French Quality Label (FQRN) only accepts cows that are less than 8 years old. Cull cows have had time to develop a good marbling and, contrary to young steers, their meat is high quality and they are ready. Those who priviledge grass over grain may benefit from an added bonus thanks to the increasing demand for grass fed beef.  In addition, beef from cull cows is more and more accepted as high quality beef by the general public. This page is being redeveloped and more information will be added. So please keep checking back with us.