Mini-Cattle Are New Cash Cow

Americans may still like their burgers supersized, but the latest rage in the cattle industry is mini-cows. With smaller ranches on the rise, growers are looking for animals that suit a limited acreage. They're often kept as pets or sustainable lawn-mowers that make the rounds at state fairs, but they are also raised for slaughter, the Sacramento Bee reports.

Mini-cows, who weigh in at half to a third as much as the full-size variety, draw twice the price per pound as other steers, one breeder claims. The beef is tender, and consumers like the moderate size of the choice cuts, he said. Miniature Hereford and Angus breeds sell for a pricey $3,500 a head, making breeding lucrative, especially for ranchers who want farm animals without the headache of heavy-duty equipment. (More agriculture stories.)