Jasmine Entz’s heart was captured the moment she laid eyes on Beef, a scrawny calf covered in straw, born at daybreak in August 2017. “He looked at me, and I thought he was adorable,” recalled Entz from Vulcan County, Alta. Upon his weaning, she sought permission from her dairy farm employer to take Beef home, a request that was granted.
Despite not fully comprehending why, the 29-year-old Entz had always dreamt of owning a steer she could ride. Little did she anticipate that Beef would grow into a global sensation, towering taller than a pickup truck and weighing as much as a rhinoceros, resembling her own version of Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Recently, the Guinness Book of World Records declared Beef as the tallest living steer, measuring 1.95 meters (six foot five), surpassing the previous record by one centimeter held by an Oregon steer named Romeo. Beef, now aged eight, tipped the scales at 1,100 kilograms (2,400 pounds) during the last official measurement two years ago.
Entz mentioned that Beef has continued to grow, evident when he outgrew his trailer earlier this year. Sustaining his massive frame requires approximately 45 kilograms of hay daily, amounting to a monthly expense of around $400. Despite assumptions that steers cease growing, Beef’s ongoing expansion at eight years old has debunked this belief.
Initially intended as a pet rather than for meat production, Beef was trained by Entz to pull a cart and even ride under saddle. Although she enjoyed riding him in his early years, a winter injury prompted a hiatus from saddling up. Furthermore, the challenge of finding custom-fitted gear for his size hindered further riding activities.
Over time, suggestions from friends led Entz to realize Beef’s potential for a record due to his extraordinary size. Currently, Beef spends his days grazing alongside his companions, including Josie, a speckled white cow, Talent the horse, and over 50 miniature goats. Described as a laid-back creature by Entz, Beef’s favorite pastime, besides lounging, is devouring food, particularly pumpkins during the fall season.
Entz fondly recalls how Beef enthusiastically devoured an entire truckload of post-Halloween pumpkins in just three hours last year, exclaiming, “He lights up at the sight of a pumpkin.”
