Jasmine Entz from Vulcan County, Alberta, had an immediate connection with Beef, a calf she first laid eyes on in August 2017. Enthralled by his appearance, she sought permission from her dairy farm employer to adopt him once he was weaned off milk, which was granted.
Despite not fully comprehending her desire, Entz had always dreamt of owning a steer she could ride. Little did she anticipate that Beef would grow into a colossal figure, towering over a pickup truck and weighing as much as a rhinoceros, akin to her personal version of Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Claiming the title of the world’s tallest living steer, Beef stands at an impressive 1.95 meters (six foot five), surpassing the previous record by one centimeter held by an Oregon steer named Romeo. At eight years old, Beef weighed 1,100 kilograms (2,400 pounds) during the record confirmation two years ago, having grown even larger since then, as evidenced by his recent inability to fit inside his trailer.
Feeding on approximately 45 kilograms of hay daily, costing around $400 per month, Beef continues to grow, defying the belief that steers stop growing after a certain age. Although typically bred for eventual slaughter, Beef, contrary to his name, was intended solely as a pet by Entz, who trained him for various tasks, including pulling a cart and riding.
Despite a temporary setback due to an injury, Entz’s joy in riding Beef was short-lived, leading to a halt in saddling him up, primarily due to the challenge of finding appropriate gear for his size. Over time, with the help of friends’ suggestions, Entz realized Beef’s exceptional size likely positioned him for a world record.
Currently, Beef spends his days grazing on the farm alongside his companion Josie, a speckled white cow, a horse named Talent, and over 50 miniature goats. Known for his laid-back demeanor, Beef’s favorite pastime, aside from grazing, is devouring pumpkins, as seen during last year’s post-Halloween feast when he swiftly consumed an entire pickup full of pumpkins in just three hours, showcasing his enthusiasm for the seasonal treat.
