Beef Cattle Advice

[jkk]

Hello, I have just bought 17 heifer beef calves. They weigh on average 375lbs. each. I am planning on letting them graze on our 16 acres of pasture and give them some dry feed daily. I would like some advice on the best way to be profitable with this group of calves. Maybe some of you experienced farmers could give me some good advice on the feeding and handling of these calves.
James

 

[two_bit_score]

Got water?

 

[jkk]

Yes, we have water. There is a small creek that has water up until about July and pretty much dries up if we have no rain. We are putting in Ritchie automatic waterer.

 

[Western]

That is quite a few per acre, the less you have to supplement the feed, the more you will make. I think you will have a higher feed bill then you think, wont take them long to mow down 16 acres.

I think the best money may be to raise them as "replacement" cows, but you are looking at a longer turn around. If you could sell them as "bred cows" (short or long bred) you may do better. You may want to consider growing them out and selling half in a few months.

You may want to round up hay for the winter early, they will need it. Buy it while it's cheap.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well, you will have a herd soon! Breed when 650-700 Lbs or about a year or so old, and also maybe artificial breeding if you want to be selective on the offspring size and pedigree. Most of the time they suggest a smaller boned for the first breeding for ease of calving. Or you can get a bull but you will have a little less control.

Also, breed for calving early say March/April and have a barn for the winter months and separate pasture area where those calving can be watched.

 

[jkk]

I was asking around in this area and I was told an acre per cow would do. Our pasture is pretty thick with red clover, fescue, and orchard grass but, that could change in late summer months if we have no rain. I agree with you, I might have to sell off a few to make it easier on the wallet if I am going to make the most off them and not have to buy as much dry feed. I will be on the hunt for hay if I plan on keeping them thru the winter.
What is the ideal age and weight for replacement heifers?

 

[farmgirl19]

If your pasture can hold out, then they probably won't need more than a good supplement tub. I think 17 calves on 16 acres is too high a stocking rate. You may be feeding hay in the summer, as well as next winter.

While it is early, let them graze and grow for a couple of months. Sell off about half of them, beginning of summer. That might let you keep the rest without having to hay in the summer, as well as the winter. Of course, this is assuming that you get rain and grow pasture. Some years can be tough. Around here, if we get rain, I figure 2 acres per head. If we are still in drought conditions, it will take 5 (or more) acres per head.

As those calves grow, so will the amount of grass they consume each day. If you have to feed grain or hay, it will be much harder to break even, much less make a profit.

 

[jkk]

If I keep these calves and breed them I would rather AI than have a bull I think. What are the advantages of AI, cost etc.?

Well, you will have a herd soon! Breed when 650-700 Lbs or about a year or so old, and also maybe artificial breeding if you want to be selective on the offspring size and pedigree. Most of the time they suggest a smaller boned for the first breeding for ease of calving. Or you can get a bull but you will have a little less control.

Also, breed for calving early say March/April and have a barn for the winter months and separate pasture area where those calving can be watched.

 

[Carl_NH]

JKK,

I thought the same thing others posted 16 ac is right for 6-8 head when planning breeding and gives you annual turnover as well of calves and being able to grow them up on your land without a lot of purchased feed. That alone could take a big bite of your profits.

On the AI, depends on your stock, are they angus, or a crossbred like charolais/angus. The AI route is not cheap but feeding, buying and housing a bull is an expense as well - I dont have $$ numbers - i was in this years ago..

The hard part of AI is knowing when they are in estres or ready to be bred, there are signs, but you can read about this or contact a local AI or your Ag extension office and get information on local breeders.

Another option is to "borrow a bull" for a month or two.

 

[jkk]

I think that is good advice and well taken. Worse case, I just have to decrease the size of my herd earlier than planned.

If your pasture can hold out, then they probably won't need more than a good supplement tub. I think 17 calves on 16 acres is too high a stocking rate. You may be feeding hay in the summer, as well as next winter.

While it is early, let them graze and grow for a couple of months. Sell off about half of them, beginning of summer. That might let you keep the rest without having to hay in the summer, as well as the winter. Of course, this is assuming that you get rain and grow pasture. Some years can be tough. Around here, if we get rain, I figure 2 acres per head. If we are still in drought conditions, it will take 5 (or more) acres per head.

As those calves grow, so will the amount of grass they consume each day. If you have to feed grain or hay, it will be much harder to break even, much less make a profit.