Back in early October, I went over to a local well respected cattle broker's dairy liquidation sale, money in hand, hoping to come home with a nice little jersey milking cow. The jersey prices were bid up through the roof, and I missed out on all three jerseys that went through.
I was dissapointed and ready to leave, and then a few 3/4'ed cows started going through. The auctioneer explained how one particular week in late August, the owner's farm hand just-quit. No notice. Leaving cows unfed. Unwatered. Unmilked. In dirty barns. It was a few days before the the owner got a call from the dairy because there wasn't any milk to pick up.
At that time, the owner's help (his children) were leaving to college! So any cows that were even showing symptoms of mastitis were dried off.
Those cows with the yellow band on the leg were marked with a scarlet letter. Nobody but the meat man was bidding.
My occasional vet (and also the owner's back up vet) suggested to me if I wanted a good cow this one here is guaranteed in calf, and is decent to handle. I thought 243 was a little thin looking, and for some reason one of her knees was a little swollen.
The amount was $525 and dropping. I let it get down to $475 and knodded to the spotter. I ended up with this possibly three quartered cow, with a iffy looking knee for $500.00.
I trailered Lucy home myself, 10 miles. WIthin a couple days of being in the grassy pasture, her knee looked totally fine. I have invested five bags of sweet feed (7.00) an extra mineral block (3.00) and 15 or so bales of horse quality grassy hay mix. ($45.00)
The children and I have been working with her a lot, but Lucy is all business. She doesn't appreciate being touched. She doesn't care to learn to walk nicely on halter. She's not into being a 'pet'.
Friday again I had our regular vet out to check her pregnancy; perhaps do a dry cow treatment on the side that was iffy; ect.
He sure was impressed with Lucy. The calf is good sized and moving around fine. (due 12/17) Her udders are just starting to bag up, and all FOUR quarters look great. He pre milked and took it back to test.
All tests came back with flying colors. And we came up with a game plan. ($62.00 bill)
Another 4-H family in the area is thinking about selling a nice guernsey, mid lactation, and bred back. My vet's neighbor is looking for replacements. The neighbor made me an offer of $1500.00.
I'm still waiting to hear but was told the guernsey will probably be priced right around $1000. Another neighbor has a few too many young beefers and is considering my 500.00 offer on a beef heifer from the spring.
Even my business man husband who tolerates but isn't enthusiastic with my farming habit can't help but admit I made a pretty good return on my investment of $645.00 investment over two month's time!
