miniature herefords

[BLUEBONNET2]

good morning,
anyone have experience with "small" cattle? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif i'm looking for an ag exemption on my property.....i can divide 12 acres into two pastures with two ponds /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.....i was told in texas all you need is 5 head or more /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

let me know....

good luck,
bluebonnet2

 

[mikim]

I'd also suggest going to your local county tax office - they can help more than anyplace else http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/agtimbr.html

 

[Bird]

Now I can't say for sure that every county has a "central appraisal district", but think most, if not all, do. And I've found that it may just depend on the head appraisor in that county, so I agree with Mikim's suggestion. I know when I bought 10 acres south of Dallas, I talked to the county appraisor (nearly 10 years ago) and the fact that I was going to sell a few pecans and a little fruit and vegetables didn't qualify, however, he told me I qualified if I had one cow on the land /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

 

[SydKen]

You might want to check out the Belted Galloway breed. I have been looking at getting a couple to keep the back pasture in check. They are supposedly good for smaller farms, birth calves very easily and have excelent beef. This breed is also very eye catching with its distinctive "oreo cookie" markings. Check out this link:

http://www.cattle-today.com/Belted%20Galloway.htm

good luck
Scott

 

[RanchMan]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( i was told in texas all you need is 5 head or more )</font>

Whoever told you this gave you incorrect information and following their advise could get you in to trouble. The tax code does not give a specific number with regards to how many cattle will qualify you for an "ag exemption."

What it does do is say that in order to qualify the land must be used for agriculture "...at the same level as typical prudent producers in your area."

What this basically means is that if the land is capable of producing "X" number of cattle (i.e. carrying capacity), then you need to produce "X" number of cattle. But it doesn't stop there - you can't just have "X" number of "pet" bovine on your property and say it's for "ag use." You have to work it in to a long term plan (take them to market, work the land properly to support continued use, etc.)

Here are a few links for you to read up on. This info is "straight from the horse's mouth." (i.e. official documents) I'd also recommend you talk to your local Ag. extension office as they can help you determine what is typical of "prudent" production for your area in addition to talking with your local appraisal district before you purchase any cattle.

See Degree of Intensity Test - Page 6
Manual for the appraisal of agricultural land
1-D-1 Application
1-D Application

 

[BLUEBONNET2]

good morning,

thanks for the input....i do plan on using the 12 ac. for cattle. locally there are 2 auction barns that have sales weekly.
i have checked with the local agent's office and i do have to make a new application, since i am the new owner. the property will quailfy, if i meet all the requirements......one breeder told me 12 ac. would hold about 15 or so "small" cows....we plan on clear cutting about 90% of the trees and fertilze and plant a mixture of coastal and cheyenne bermuda... also two ponds, we will add predetor fence for the two pastures....i am really interested in the miniature herefords, although, my friend in central texas has "dexters"....
the small cows bring about the same price(per lb) at the local auctions....

Again thanks for all the input.....you guys are great /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

good luck,
bluebonnet2

 

[txdon]

bluebonnet2, I can see the land in the county continually being divided up and selling in smaller sections - 10 to 30 acres. I believe that when the new buyers see the new non-Ag tax rate they will start to think like you that there are purposes for miniature cattle: 1. Keep Land AG exempt. 2. Don't have to mow as much, 3. beef for the freezer or money from the auction barn. 4. Sell to other small land owners, 5. Pets/Hobby - get that real Texas feeling. 6. The things you buy for the land and cattle are farm tax exempt. (tractor, implements, etc...)

When I first bought my land, I talked with the Tax people to find out about the cattle, and basically the number is whatever the land will support. In my case with flowers, cactus and woods it was about ten acres per (large) head, in other parts with coastal fields they have more, I think about 5 cattle per acre. Each Texas county is different. Good luck with you miniatures, I'm thinking about raising them also because of the low impact on the land they have. When you get established let us know and include photos. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif