Cattle Beginner Profitability

[FarmerBrownMO]

Hello, all

I have been lurking here for some time and I have been trying to get my cattle chops up to speed.

I am trying to start some sort of farming operation and I am considering if cattle might be a part of what I do.

First of all, I am in Missouri and I have a small fescue field, probably 3 acres that I cleared of brush this spring and nothing else was done with it. At this point that is the extent of pasture, although I can probably get all the hay I need for free, for this winter. I also have a roughly 6 acre field that I could grow forage/grain. Furthermore, I have the oppurtunity to purchase some land next door. At most probably 20A.

I do have a good paying job in town, so I can bankroll this, although I am not interested in digging a money pit. Im not looking to make money, at this point, just looking long term and hoping to someday have a larger operation.

In general, where am I, as a small-time guy going to see the best investment? I have access to the uncle's bull and a stock trailer, etc.

Perhaps feed some calves out this winter for sale in the early summer and take on a few bred heifers next fall? Then what? I imagine forage would be an issue, as the fescue would probably be pushed pretty hard being grazed all winter and then again in the fall. Acquisition of the additional land would not likely do me much good next year as it is in general disrepair.

Looking at a simple corn-soybean ration, what are the gross amounts needed to finish over 100 days or so per calf? 2% of body weight per day?

Thanks

 

[Bez+]

Hello, all

I have been lurking here for some time and I have been trying to get my cattle chops up to speed.

I am trying to start some sort of farming operation and I am considering if cattle might be a part of what I do.

First of all, I am in Missouri and I have a small fescue field, probably 3 acres that I cleared of brush this spring and nothing else was done with it. At this point that is the extent of pasture, although I can probably get all the hay I need for free, for this winter. I also have a roughly 6 acre field that I could grow forage/grain. Furthermore, I have the oppurtunity to purchase some land next door. At most probably 20A.

I do have a good paying job in town, so I can bankroll this, although I am not interested in digging a money pit. Im not looking to make money, at this point, just looking long term and hoping to someday have a larger operation.

In general, where am I, as a small-time guy going to see the best investment? I have access to the uncle's bull and a stock trailer, etc.

Perhaps feed some calves out this winter for sale in the early summer and take on a few bred heifers next fall? Then what? I imagine forage would be an issue, as the fescue would probably be pushed pretty hard being grazed all winter and then again in the fall. Acquisition of the additional land would not likely do me much good next year as it is in general disrepair.

Looking at a simple corn-soybean ration, what are the gross amounts needed to finish over 100 days or so per calf? 2% of body weight per day?

Thanks

This topic has been done to death

Hit the search button and use any selected key words you can think of.

Your search will provide you weeks worth of reading - some of it good and some of it bad

Only you can decide

Regards

Bez+

 

[hayray]

I would make it low cost by not growing any grain and hay and taking the small acreage you have to start with a half a dozen bred cows and put your equipment investment into fence and grazing supplies. Or lowest cost investment is buy a dozen steers and feed them out in a small pen or stocker graze some on your acreage, offers the advantage of fast turn over.

 

[grannysoo]

You might want to consider raising goats. If you have a market for them, it could be more profitable for you.

 

[1982vett]

I have access to the uncle's bull and a stock trailer, etc.



Thanks

Their is your prospective partner and mentor.

 

[deenranch]

Im not looking to make money, at this point, just looking long term and hoping to someday have a larger operation.

If you are not looking to make money at it, then you will not be able to make it larger in the future... If you can learn how to make money with it small you can make money with it large

 

[BILL CLAYLAND]

Looking at a simple corn-soybean ration, what are the gross amounts needed to finish over 100 days or so per calf? 2% of body weight per day?
12 lbs a day for 100 days is 1200 lbs, by the bag a good finish feed 12% i can get for $165.12
Im sure cheaper by the ton loose.


In July 09 I bought a 510lb Bull Black baldie for the pasture, we have 10 acres total about 5 is fenced and an old bank barn.
I paid $428.00 for the bull, hes a steer now.
Luckily my friend Brian was at the Westminster livestock auction that night and transported the bull home for me.(free)
Anyway Brian was at the auction selling cattle, he has about 35 head he keeps on 3 rented farms pastures. He says take a look at what i have, and i did.
I ended up with a Hereford Cow, Bull Calf combo from him. Cow is about 3plus yrs and second calf.
I paid 1k for that combo.
I also ended up paying another $500. for fence repair,(locust), wire, Feed and Hay.
Brian, my friend wormed the 3 I have and banded the bull free.
So from late July till Dec 31 2009 i have $1928.00 invested and 3 head.
My plan is to have a freezer full of beef and to sell a few sides,,, everything on the hoof is sold.
Guess Ill be shopping for some mama cows or bred heifers

Ill have to tell you it is a blast so far!!!
Ps I own a Ceramic tile distribution showroom business,, shame I cant make any money there in this economy.
Bill