Sometimes you wonder if it's just not meant to be

[SteveO]

Suppose to have my cattle 2 weeks ago then last week then again today.
Can you believe they are stuck in the mud. The owner cant get his trailer even close to the existing loading chute. And we just got 3.5 more inches of rain.
But it gets worse
Of the 4 (bred ones per the owner) only one was bred even though he had a bull in with them since march/april he's not sure when. OF 8 in the field only 3 were bred 1 of mine and 2 he wants to keep. They are 3/4 lowline and mine are only 1/2. So he has reduced the price on mine but this throws my whole timeline back another 9 months at least. So I am buying one more to help catch up to where I want to be in 2 years or 2 calf crops.
SO as I look out my window past the rain I see all the grass I have growing going to waste. As i wait for a cold night to put a final frost on it.
The only good thing happening My better half is happy the kitchen is redone and the livingroom and dining room are painted.
Have you ever had that feeling you just can't get out of the starting blocks

Sign me

[genebo]

Genetics are worthy of consideration here.

The very low rate of fertility exhibited by the bull and cows can be expected to pass on to the calves.

[SteveO]

SO true Genebo I am also waiting on a review of the bull. DId I mention that the vet that thatwas to preg check them 2 weeks ago got his foot crushed by a horse the day he was to come out.
I am taking them from his farm to a AI specialist to do his magic. Along with a log of shots, feed details and minerals for him to look at.
Thanks
steve

[lonelyfarmgirl]

Really does sound like something is screaming NNNOOOOOOOO here. Up to you to decide if its a sign, or a fluke. Things happen for a reason. They aren't the only cattle in the world.

[Allen W]

I have to agree with lonelyfarm girl. If they are top quality young cows and the bull was shooting blanks it might be worth considering. Otherwise they are just killing cows to my notion.

[Gabriel]

They've been with a bull since April and haven't conceived?! If it's provable that it's the bull... I'd consider the cows. But as it stands, I'd pass.

What's your motivation for buying them? Profit? Or just the love of cattle? There are other ways to make profit while raising cattle, like buying younger calves. While it does extend your timetable, it also lets you afford more cattle for the money.

[MO_cows]

I'd be leery of them, too. Less than 50% conception rate, something is way wrong.

[DJ in WA]

Another thing to consider is body condition and how he's feeding them. They will lack fertility if too thin or too fat. Some lowlines can get pretty fat since they are low growth cattle not making alot of milk. My Jersey/Lowline kept good condition on mediocre feed even milking good for 11 months of the year.

It does seem like this situation goes beyond that, however, or maybe it is a combination of factors.

[SteveO]

Some more of the story. I have softer soil so I am looking for less soil impact and only 15 acres to graze so I am aiming for quality instead of quantity. So following Agmans model my animal are even smaller.(If he was closer I'd see about some from him) They will also be 3/4 pure headed toward purebred seed stock. They grow faster than a highland are polled and docile. And Dj you have a good point that is why I want them here I have green grass still growing and a 100 mile east they are on hay, he has change the mineralsat the worst time in my opinion and they are not observed every day.
So I am hoping the AI witch Doctor can help me start to sort it out and get on the right track. I am buying these as breedable so if they are not the previous owner will have a choice ( he is supplying seman from one of the premier bulls so he is working with me somewhat). He is also selling me a steer so I will know when he weighs the trailer how many pounds he is shipping me total.
I know I am pushing against the tide but I believe with new care and attention I can turn it around. If not the worst case the steer is already named T-Bone
I appreciate the comments as they either raise new thoughts or confirm my guesses. I am new to this so any and all comments are gratfully accepted from all who took the time to comment
thanks
Utopia Farm TN
PS THe new delivery date is MONDAY

[DWH Farm]

If you have not already done so please research and rule out infectious diseases that cause abortion in cattle before purchasing. It could be that they are breeding back but are aborting.

[agmantoo]

SteveO

I know you are anxious to have this effort to work. On the other hand, I am aware that one can have complications with cattle even when it is not obvious. What I am politely stating is "run away from this transaction like the devil is after you!" You will find cattle somewhere else without all this baggage.

[G. Seddon]

SteveO, I agree with those who have tried to steer you away from this "deal." I think you are plunging in headlong to cattle with problems -- either with infertility, disease, or uncertain history -- along with a seller who is trying to unload them, and you a person somewhat new to cattle. You're also heading into winter.

Why not back off this, spend the next few months getting your facilities ready, reading and learning, talking to cattle people in your area and trying to locate some who would be willing to work with you, not take you for a ride.

Sorry, but that is how I see it.