what would you do?

brody · #1 10/02/11, 02:19 PM

There is the possibility that we will have about 70 acres (fenced but only around the perimeter) of mixed rocky meadow, cedar stands and some hardwoods to use next spring.

One thing that occurs to me is cattle but I'm not sure what model to consider - years ago (on a different property) we would get 12 weanling calves from the west shipped in as part of a larger truckload and run them on our pasture ( about 15 acres -in 2 fields)for about 6 months - they then got shipped to a feedlot .. so that's one model

another might be a cow/calf operation

another might be rare breed development

another could be dairy calves (there are 12 local dairies - they sell new calves for about $100)

I'm open to suggestion ... and no matter if we get that land or not - we have at least 20 acres .. maybe more depending on fence condition -i need to get back on an atv and really check it

thanks for the input

francismilker · #2 10/02/11, 02:30 PM

With your kind of winters I'd suggest hairsheep. Those are some pretty hardy critters and shouldn't need to be barn kept during cold snaps. As well, they sustain well on a grass based diet alone. JMO

I've raised cattle, goats, pigs, chickens, and hair sheep and have never had any better survivor than the hair sheep.

brody · #3 10/02/11, 07:29 PM

hmmm we've considered sheep too - coyotes are a certainty around here ...which makes me a little nervous but my border colliex would be thrilled

and to be fair our winters aren't usually that outrageous - I'm opposite Rochester NY in the middle of Lake Ontario so get a moderating lake effect in both summer and winter ...

pookshollow · #4 10/02/11, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brody

hmmm we've considered sheep too - coyotes are a certainty around here ...which makes me a little nervous but my border colliex would be thrilled

and to be fair our winters aren't usually that outrageous - I'm opposite Rochester NY in the middle of Lake Ontario so get a moderating lake effect in both summer and winter ...

I've got a really nice ram lamb for sale . . .

brody · #5 10/03/11, 09:07 PM

I'm sure the coyotes would love him - lol... nice to see you pookshollow