Recent content by OldCowhand

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The Brillon Seeder is designed on the surface broadcast pack concept. The Gold Standard for small seeds.

I have never had much faith in EPDs because they are a calculated, comparative estimate based on base premise that if you test across enough herds you eliminate management and environment. I don' accept that premise. Actual performance indexed against herd average is a far better indicator...

Where is the farm located? How rural/urban? Many, Many variables.

The Brown Swiss is Ok for growth and frame. Don't marble, or finish real nice. They fit into the commercial Select box beef model, but are not as good eating as some of the real beef breeds. IMHO.

A couple of thoughts. Nothing will drag out left over hay. Chopping with a bush hog helps. The best fix is not to let it happen if you can. Put bales in feeders on their end not on their sides. This makes the cows eat through the shell and helps limit waste. Make the cows clean up each...

I was taught bottom first. H brace with rail at the top of the posts, strainer wire from top of brace post to bottom of end post with end post pushed back about 2 inches at the top will hold most stretches of fence. Do not drive staples fast on wooden posts; let the wire be able to move with...

Not sure that Pieds, or any double muscled Euro breed, is right for what you want to do. That may be going in the wrong direction. Look for bulls out of similar management and marketing programs. Insist that any bull you buy have DNA test results for tenderness and marbling. Doc is right...

One of the problems with using AI sired bulls, is that the person selecting the bull for AI may not be selecting for the same traits that the rancher is. It may work out better over the long run, to buy bulls from breeders who are on the same management, selection and marketing page as you are...