Recent content by LittleValleyFarm

I go every other year, so I will see you guys next time. Hope it's a great show!

Thanks for the advice! I am definitely going to give them some corral time. After a week I may even give them separate pads that share a fence, just to make sure. My newbies are registered bred heifers and I would hate for them to be roughed up. These will be my first registered animals, and I...

When bringing new cows onto your farm, is it helpful to keep them on the other side of a fence or in a corral? Have you had any problems with the existing herd roughing up the newcomers? How long would it take to get them used to each other if they were sharing a fence?

I am located in western North Carolina in the rolling hills between Winston Salem and Boone. I would guesstimate that they are 1,000 lbs right now at about 21 months old. They are around 3 months bred, so due in December. They have not had a pelvic measurement, but they are bred to calving ease...

I love this forum. You guys always make me think of things that I haven't considered yet. WalnutCrest- That's solid advice. My friend is only selling his heifers because he's out of pasture and he can't keep anything else. His established cows are not on the table unfortunately, but I agree, an...

I've had a commercial herd that I share with my brother-in-law and father-in-law for 5 years now. We are turning out some nice cows these days and I really enjoy the work. I am considering buying a couple bred heifers that are registered so I can open up another door in the market for me, as...

Hi guys, I'm in the market for my first set of scales. I used the search function here but I couldn't get a great impression on the overall recommendations. I did ascertain that the majority of you probably have your scale in the alley before the squeeze chute. That's helpful to know at least...

Thanks B&M! I'll check that out.

Thus far any change in business expenses was easy to evaluate against the total profitability (or lack thereof) of this endeavor. Growing a little bigger changes things. A cash only system can no longer be maintained. B&M, do you recommend any software? Also, do you take a computer/device out to...

Has anyone found a written business plan useful? Also, anyone been audited by IRS after recording farm losses over a few years? Just trying to plan ahead!

I have considered a lease return, but the dealer says he only has the 6230 coming back right now, not a 64. There will be some winter work, specifically feeding round bails, so 4x4 is a must. NC may not see the snow you Midwestern and Canadian guys see, but it stills shows up enough that I would...

Thanks for the ideas! I had not considered the resale difference between the two. That's a good point. JD does have a better looking tractor IMO, but the NH has a tough look as well. I'm not familiar with "bonus depreciation", but I will ask my tax guy about it.

I am looking at buying a tractor and I would like some opinions on these two models and which method of purchasing you think is preferable. These two are comparable in ability, and not too far off in price from each other. The tractor needs to be multi-dimensional and powerful enough to pull a...