New beginnings

[SteveO]

SteveO Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MA
Posts: 32

finally bought the farm

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Evening all,
I finally bought a property with a house and shop not as big is I hoped but we all start somewhere.
So on to the question is 17 ac. large enough to use rotational?
The property is in western Tn is in pasture needs lime and clover for sure but is 50% fenced. I will do a couple of soil tests when I am down for the closing.The property has 2 ponds a well and city water We close next month but will not live there for a year. The existing neighbor has been cutting the hay for the owner and keeping it as far as I can tell.
As soon as I can figure out how to do it I will post a picture to show the growth of what is there and the layout.
I would like a dozen or so cattle if the land would support it and do a cow calf setup and try to emulate Agmantoo in miniture.
Does it make sence and could it be self supporting at that size??
Based on the equipment needs would it be about the same for 17 or 70?

If you could could you help with that list it would be appreciated:

SteveO

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Last edited by SteveO; Today at 05:14 PM. Reason: more info thanks for the help

[Chixarecute]

Hi SteveO, congrats on buying the farm!

17 acres is enough to do rotational, but I don't think it could handle a dozen cows. Start with 2-3 head, hold back some of that land for hay. You will want to have movable wire fencing at first, playing with how much the animals eat, season of growth, etc. You will also want the cows to have access to water 24/7, either by going up a shared access lane to water, or having water piped (or delivered) daily into the paddock they are in.

As far as doing hay, it probably isn't worth it to buy equipment for your acreage. If your neighbor is willing to do it on shares, and will do it in a timely manner, it is probably better. Ask him what the yield has been, how many cuttings, whether or not he's been fertilizing, and if so what.

Self sustaining? I doubt it, but you'll be able to raise some really good beef for your family!

It sounds as if you have been studying the sticky on rotational grazing at the top of the page, if not, be sure to read it.

[genebo]

Welcome to the club!

It sounds like you intend to raise cattle. That means you will be a grass farmer. You'll be in the profession of raising grass. How well you do it will determine how successful you'll be.

Do as much as you can to establish your pastures before putting animals on them. Everything is harder to do once the animals are grazing. That includes fencing.

Then choose your cattle according to the size and type of pastures you'll have. I have 20 acres, but only 10 are in pasture and 3 of those are wooded. I keep small cattle so I can have more of them.

I keep my grass in pretty good shape and have access to several small plots I can hay for winter feed. The maximum number of Dexter cattle I can support is 11. That's 1 bull, 5 cows and 5 calves. That number would be halved if I kept full sized cattle.

Genebo
Paradise Farm

[Madsaw]

I got a buddy down east of mephis that farms. Seems like the hay feilds require alot of lime and fertilizer compared what we are used to here in WI. He does raise some fine beef on the pastures there too. From what I have seen on my trips down ther to his area there is not much for small scale farms like hi any more down there. Just deepending where you have your place down there. He might be a good contact to discuss crops and such with. As to what grows best in that genral area.
Bob