First Time Farmer Girl

[firsttimefarmergirl]

You guys and gals are awesome. I live in Texas, North Texas to be more specific. I have already met the USDA soil conservationist on the property. I loved the property for the incredible view, and price...but the land has been neglected for decades. I need to redo all the pastures, has fescue and weeds...that's it. There were 20 longhorn on it, overgrazed. Now, I'm looking at fencing and seeding natural grasses, as recommended by the USDA. I've got 2 lakes, with another great site for a 3rd lake. This place has monumental potential, but I have a a monumental learning curve. My first task (beyond getting the soil tested and sent off) is to buy a tractor. There is about 80-90 acres to mow. Plan on eventually putting on cows, and we do have horses, so the animals will eventually help but for the resting and reviving period, I'll need to mow. I'm wanting to follow biological farming. Any advise on tractors that an old gal can use.

 

[foreman Etexas]

You guys and gals are awesome. I live in Texas, North Texas to be more specific. I have already met the USDA soil conservationist on the property. I loved the property for the incredible view, and price...but the land has been neglected for decades. I need to redo all the pastures, has fescue and weeds...that's it. There were 20 longhorn on it, overgrazed. Now, I'm looking at fencing and seeding natural grasses, as recommended by the USDA. I've got 2 lakes, with another great site for a 3rd lake. This place has monumental potential, but I have a a monumental learning curve. My first task (beyond getting the soil tested and sent off) is to buy a tractor. There is about 80-90 acres to mow. Plan on eventually putting on cows, and we do have horses, so the animals will eventually help but for the resting and reviving period, I'll need to mow. I'm wanting to follow biological farming. Any advise on tractors that an old gal can use.

Im thinking a 70hp+,probaly 4x4 with ldr & cab, shuttle shift(Kubota M7040 or Kubota M8540 im suggestion these two tractors but I havent heard a budget.Shredder size somewhere around a 10ft to 15ft(batwing),still going to have to knock or spray weeds even with cattle on!!!

 

[g0rd0]

yes you will be needing a 70+hp tractor. And for your comfort a cab! See your local dealers, all of them. Get in and try the them out for sise, placement of controls, sight (forward the sides and of course the lift and pto area). Your budget is going to be a big factor BUT, first you have to be comfortable with the feel and operation of any machine that you have.
If a dealer will not allow you to get in and try out the controls then move on to another. Your nieghbours can tell you who in your area is good with repairs and welding sooner or later you will need their help and it is best to know them before you need them.
Enjoy your knew digs and keep us informed as to how you are makeing out there.

 

[TRR]

...I need to redo all the pastures, has fescue and weeds...that's it. There were 20 longhorn on it, overgrazed. Now, I'm looking at fencing and seeding natural grasses, as recommended by the USDA. I've got 2 lakes, with another great site for a 3rd lake. ...

The USDA can be very helpful, but be sure their goals for your property and your goals match. If by "natural grasses" you mean the original prairie grasses you need to check on the nutrition levels that they provide compared with other grass types and that they are compatible with the livestock you plan to have.

 

[MarkV]

The USDA can be very helpful, but be sure their goals for your property and your goals match. If by "natural grasses" you mean the original prairie grasses you need to check on the nutrition levels that they provide compared with other grass types and that they are compatible with the livestock you plan to have.

Like he said, natural prairie grasses are great from a conservation stand point but when you mentioned "livestock for profit" in your original post, natural grasses are not what people are using to be profitable. You may actually want to look into whether there are local farmers you might be able to hire to rehabilitate your pastures if you want to replant. I believe you mentioned 90 acres of pastures and that takes big equipment to rework. Once updated you can maintain with cutting and spraying.

MarkV

 

[flusher]

You guys and gals are awesome. I live in Texas, North Texas to be more specific. I have already met the USDA soil conservationist on the property. I loved the property for the incredible view, and price...but the land has been neglected for decades. I need to redo all the pastures, has fescue and weeds...that's it. There were 20 longhorn on it, overgrazed. Now, I'm looking at fencing and seeding natural grasses, as recommended by the USDA. I've got 2 lakes, with another great site for a 3rd lake. This place has monumental potential, but I have a a monumental learning curve. My first task (beyond getting the soil tested and sent off) is to buy a tractor. There is about 80-90 acres to mow. Plan on eventually putting on cows, and we do have horses, so the animals will eventually help but for the resting and reviving period, I'll need to mow. I'm wanting to follow biological farming. Any advise on tractors that an old gal can use.

That's a lot of mowing. Rather than guessing at this major purchase, I'd consider renting a tractor in the 70-100 hp range with a 10-15 ft rotary mower (aka brush hog, bush hog, shredder, slasher) for a week and mowing your fields. You'll have to go slow the first time because of debris, obstructions (foxholes, etc) so it will probably take you the better part of a week for the first cut.

Don't know what your budget is for the tractor, but a pre-owned Kubota M9540 tractor (95 hp engine, gear tranny 12F/12R, hydraulic shuttle shift, cab) with about 280 hours showing on the clock sold for $35K on eBay.

 

[lakngulf]

Rather than guessing at this major purchase, I'd consider renting a tractor in the 70-100 hp range with a 10-15 ft rotary mower (aka brush hog, bush hog, shredder, slasher) for a week and mowing your fields.

That is a great idea.

 

[jonyyuma]

Wow, I am worn out at the prospect of starting anew anywhere. But I believe you will be Glad you bought a cab enclosed tractor with AC. Lots of other things to keep you busy,and you'll not be as tired if you have a little comfort. I am giving my tractor a rest here, 103 yesterday just drained me, under my big straw hat...Jy.