Hi,
I'm new to this thread, and I'm new to cattle raising. Getting long on book knowledge, but short on practical experience.
We own 70 acres; 50 in pasture, and will move there in 14 months, at which time we'll start an integrated farm with beef cattle, pastured broilers and layers.
1. I'm trying to determine the best breed to start with to be completely forage based, that calves easily and finishes on pasture as quickly as possible. I've heard Angus, I've heard Hereford, but all the reading tells me that hybrid vigor dictates a crossbreed. It gets confusing.
2. What is the best way for me to build my herd? Do I buy some cow/calfs and just try to improve it over time by breeding the best heifers with the best bull I can buy, or is there something else I can do this year to get the herd established.
As an FYI, we live in Georgia.
Thanks for any help you can provide...we're really excited about this.
I'm new to this thread, and I'm new to cattle raising. Getting long on book knowledge, but short on practical experience.
We own 70 acres; 50 in pasture, and will move there in 14 months, at which time we'll start an integrated farm with beef cattle, pastured broilers and layers.
1. I'm trying to determine the best breed to start with to be completely forage based, that calves easily and finishes on pasture as quickly as possible. I've heard Angus, I've heard Hereford, but all the reading tells me that hybrid vigor dictates a crossbreed. It gets confusing.
2. What is the best way for me to build my herd? Do I buy some cow/calfs and just try to improve it over time by breeding the best heifers with the best bull I can buy, or is there something else I can do this year to get the herd established.
As an FYI, we live in Georgia.
Thanks for any help you can provide...we're really excited about this.