Finally!

[Sinenian]

My parents baught new land (see homesteading questions to see what we are doing with it) from a neighbor with a farmet. Which included 25 Acres of pasture land (fenced and everything) with a small barn.

My parents agreed to let ME use it for my own small breeding program!
I told my dad that I would try to do most of the orginizing of getting it ready. I think I can do alot of it without his help, but I'll need some help from you guys


1. I plan to do 7 Head. That's a little over 3 acres per head. Will that be enough? This is good pasture land with some clover, in Upstate NY.

2. Breed? I was thinking: 1 Black Angus Bull, 3 Black Angus Heifers, 3 Hereford Heifers (I'm hoping all reg.). Pure black Angus does great around here, and Baldies do too. Black hides seem to bring in more per pound. I plan to sell all offspring, so I do not inbreed or overpopulate.

3. Time? I carry 2 Jobs (One very much part-time, an animal auction), Chores on our farm, and go to school. Think I'll have enough social time?


Thanks, any tips are enjoyed, I've only done my own complete breeding with Chickens and rabbits.

[agmantoo]

What do you intend to do with the offspring, sell as breeding stock or sell to the market? I would think that good productive acreage could handle more animals. With no more than 6 females you should consider AI as the price of a registered bull would be excessive.

[Sinenian]

I was thinking as selling as steers most likley, unless a calf looked real nice I may keep as a Bull.

But I want to sell all my Heifers for breeding, I've heard of people selling poor quality heifers as beef, I wouldn't want to do that.

I guess if I did buy an AI proven bull, it would be a bit pricey.
Maybe with a real nice bull I could sell my bulls as seedstock.

[Carrie C]

You're a person after my own heart. I'm moving to Sumner, WA (less than 20 miles from where I live now) and I get to have a BEEF STEER in addition to my goats and rabbits. I'm moving to my grandma's partly to take care of her at night, partly to be closer to my job, and partly to have ANIMALS! My g.ma has 5 acres and I get to use 4 acres in exchange for taking care of her at night.
I agree with agmantoo. You should be able to fit more than 1 animal per 3 acres. If you don't want more cattle, get some goats!
I manage to hold down school, work, animals and social life, and leading a 4-H club pretty well. But then, I only have 5 goats and 6 rabbits right now... Who knows what that one more animal will do?
I strongly suggest that you build up slowly. Don't go out and buy 7 head all at once unless you have a sure market for them if it doesn't work out and you need more time.
My thoughts, anyway.