Search results for query: *

I'm still in it, just without the cows and bull. I'm able to buy the F1 crosses that I want locally so feeding and maintaining the cows/bull just doesn't make monetary sense any longer. I'm trying to establish a system that allows me to keep going even when I retire, without the significant...

I’d love to find something that would do double duty as a calf hauler and a utility trailer. Then I’d sell my current utility trailer.

I’m selling my cows and plan on just buying 2 or 3 just weaned steers each year to feed out. I will have them butchered here at the house, but will need a trailer to pick them up with. I’ve already got a 7x12 utility trailer and a 18’ car hauler, but I don’t think I could make either of those...

The zip bandits have a piece of rubber that stretches and keeps constant pressure on the sack until it falls off. They’re slick. We’ve been putting them on at around 5-7 months of age.

Yep me and a buddy have been using them the past three years. They work great!

My current feed is a 14.5% protein steer feed, no gluten. I understand straight shelled corn is 8% protein. So finishing the last 3-5 months on just corn is ok? Is is ok to give the cows the corn as well daily instead of the current 14.5% mix they currently are getting?

Good info folks. I'll have to check on my mix and see if it has corn gluten in it. I've been rethinking my plan not to separate the beef animals. I'll have to run another water line/electric to a different pen which isn't bad. Separating them will also solve my problem of having to butcher...

For traditional finishing when they are on full feed do you also give them free choice hay or grass?

I should mention that my bull is Wagyu, so the slaughter animals are crosses.

I have a very small herd of belted galloway, two cows along with their newborns and one year olds for six months of the year - so 6 animals. The other six months of the year I have my bull back on the farm. Everyone runs together. I start creep feeding the newborns as soon as they will take...

Found this at Menards. I’m heading there tomorrow, I’ll see if they have any in stock. https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/panel-products/plastic-utility-panels/1-4-x-4-x-8-hdpe-panel/blkhdpe48x96x220/p-1561703293089-c-14048.htm

I’ll look into those. Looks like a good possibility.

What part of SW Michigan? I’m from Paw Paw.

Just thinking, weed barrier fabric would work too. That's what I'll try.

Wish that was offered in the States. Exactly what I'm looking for.

Wondered about using metal roofing and screwing them on the outsides?

I want to add something to block the cattle's view out from my sweep and alleyway when I'm running them through. What have you guys come up with to do the same? The only thing coming to mind is using plywood sheets.

Thanks everyone for the input. The bull will be at my place from December to July, and unfortunately I don't want to set up another pen just for her. She's already on feed so we'll see how she looks in December and make the call. I've told the workers (cows) only bull calves from now on, so...

My bull that I share with a friend comes back to my farm in late December. At that point, I have a heifer that will be 16 months old that will be in the same pen as the rest of the herd. I'm limited in acreage so all my cattle run together. This heifer is destined for the table. I'm curious...

What have you got to lose? Seriously. Look at the worst case scenario that could rear it’s ugly head. Can you survive it? If so, do it. Big decisions get harder and more risky the older you get, and the more you have to lose. I went in debt almost $500k when I bought my CPA practice and office...