Dilema on calf- need advice

MaryB · #1 08/09/11, 07:12 PM

Hey all,
I have a dilema, and I cant quite come to a decision, sure could use other ag input.

I sold a friend a milk cow back in April. Since she didnt have a companion for the cow, I told her she could take my heifer calf to fill the void. At that point my friend mentioned maybe wanting to buy the heifer, how much? The calf was 6 months, and I told her $600.

Fast forward to last week, she called about the heifer, and buying her, said she has a brother that will 'invest' in getting her. I told her fine, but since she was older now, the price would be $800.

She is so sweet (truly, a wonderful person), but mentioned that she didnt think her bro would go for it, since they were feeding her this whole time, and the price should remain at $600.

Ok, here is dh's thought on it...

1. we would be out nothing on feed had she been at our place, since we have the pasture to feed her without supplimenting (my friend doesnt, so has to buy hay). So the heifer being over there was a favor as a companion for her milk cow.
2. the price was already a bargain at $600 since the price here for a registered heifer at 6 months is $800.
3. We would have taken any and all vet bills up till now, had something needed done while she was over there. We also hold/held all the risk if she died-would would have just eaten the loss as farm life.
4. the heifer will be ready to breed in 6 months, at which point our asking price would go to $1600, on, say, craigslist. Thus, we would be loosing a considerable amount by going with the $600 price at this point.

I realize, and even my friend said, her bro is a total city slicker, and not up on ag edicate. I must admit, though we have been ranching for over 10 years, I am not sure myself of what the edicate on this situation would be. Most importantly, i am a person of my word, and will not go back on it. I guess my ? is, am I breaking my word in saying the price is higher now, regardless of who was feeding her?

What is the correct solution for this situation?

Need to be honest, but not give up $$ we need for our family at the same time, plus still give a good deal to my friend. PS. If we sold the heifer to a stranger right now, we would be asking 1K, firm, with A.I.ing for her in the spring.

Thanks all!

Mare

Catalytic · #2 08/09/11, 07:17 PM

I don't know how a situation like this SHOULD work, but particularly since she has been feeding her, the price shouldn't change.

I realize the calf is older now, but you quoted her a price and I think you should abide by it. If the calf had been at your place this whole time, then the price changing would make sense.

**gone-a-milkin** · #3 08/09/11, 07:26 PM

Your quote was given when the calf was smaller.
You were doing a favor to LEND the calf.
The lack of pasture where she has been staying is irrelevent (IMO).
She could have come back to you at any time and in any condition.

I think your price is reasonable. I would hold firm to it.
A good friend would understand.

Just my opinion.

Cheribelle · #4 08/11/11, 01:46 PM

I am also of the thought that you loaned it to her, it was her responibility to feed it, but what if something had happenned to it? It would have still been yours....
If they don't want it, sell it to someone else....

CarolT · #5 08/11/11, 02:37 PM

Also, it's not your friend buying her, it's her brother. The offer was low for her personally, not her relatives JMO

mary,tx · #6 08/11/11, 05:09 PM

I can see both sides, but I have to say I would be inclined to say I had decided to bring her home, since she was a loan, and sell her for what she is worth, especially since it is not her wanting to buy, but her brother.

I have to tell you, though, I never would have put myself in this situation. An animal has to be paid for before it leaves the farm. I used to loan out my buck goat, short term, to a friend for breeding, but don't even do that anymore. I told her if she wanted him she could buy him. I gave her a good price and she did. I brought home another and don't loan him out. Just my preference, from less than optimal experience.

There is the possibility this will affect the friendship, so you should also take that into consideration. Sometimes it is better to take the loss and chalk it up to a learning experience.

Even though in your mind you were doing her a favor, in her mind she has tended your animal for this period of time, and now you have raised the price after her time and effort has got it to this point.

I'm thinking there are going to be hurt feelings either way.

allenslabs · #7 08/11/11, 05:41 PM

I agree with Mary. I could see both sides but no matter how you do it, there is a good chance of hurt feelings. I would just say that you had decided to keep her or something of that nature and if you still want to sell her after a couple months.....then do so for the price you want. I borrowed a horse from a friend (different animal, different situation, I know) for a couple of months and when I did she said she wanted $500. I used him for about 2 months then decided to buy him. Afterwards she said she had asked as someone had offered her $1500 for him but she had already promised him to me at the lesser price. Had I known I owuld have said....sell him! LOL! But still.