I have 60 acres of native pasture in Commerce,TX and wish to add 10 +/- cattle this year. Not very experienced with livestock and first priority is calving ease. What type of cattle should I purchase (stocker or registered)? Bred heffiers, open cows w/ bull, heffiers w/bull or other. Will have access to plenty of hay thru winter. When and what should I buy? I wish to grow herd. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Cattle in Commerce TX (60 NE of Dallas)
- Thread starter Emgen
- Start date
Stocker or registered doesn't make a difference on how easy she will calve. She don't know if she's registered or not. I would stay away from heifers if you aren't experienced. I would suggest buying bred cows. There is a tendency for less trouble if they have had 2-3 calves already. Try to find out what breed they are bred to. Don't know your money situation. Buying bred cows means you don't need to purchase a bull or semen right away. Could buy bred cows with calf at side. You would have a calf crop now and one on the way.
SPRINGER FARMS MURRAY GRE
Well-known member
May I suggest Murray Grey cattle? They are easy calving, docile(good temperment),and look good in the pasture. Heifers,or cow-calf pairs would be a good way to start (or 3-fers). Might want to go with a murray grey bull and cross with any breed....you will have a good result. ;-) :cboy:
Conagher
Well-known member
I agree with Farmhand's recommendations. Also, you may want to go with commercial vs. registered until you have a sense of what you want to accomplish. You mention you have plenty of hay - I assume you have also considered water, fences, cattle handling facilities, etc. As far as timing, it's pretty dry right now around some parts of the area which means hay and pasture issues for a lot of cattleman. If this keeps up much longer there will be some unloading taking place later in the summer and fall.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
SF
Well-known member
Emgen":ad83y819 said:
You are about 20 miles from me. Lots of good grass in your area. It's been dry though, so if you want to buy some hay, I'd do it soon.
You should determine whether you want to raise commerical cattle or registered (breeding cattle that you will sell to others). I'd make this decision prior to any purchases. You will get some recommendations to go commerical first, then registered later after you've gained the experience. I personally recommend against this thought process. If you want to raise registered cattle (seedstock) then start out that way. Cattle are expensive right now, and there is no point in starting a direction and then changing your mind a year or so from now. Good quality registered cows will cost you more, but you will be able to sell the calves for more.
Opinions on which breed to use are a dime a dozen. Pick one that you fancy and go do a good job with it. Whatever breed you choose, you should set your goal to be an expert at it. This will be a life long journey, but well worth it.
Do you like to show cattle? If you've never shown cattle, do you think you'd like to? If so, then this is a reason to go registered.
I can talk about this subject forever. Good luck with whatever you choose. We're almost neighbors, if I can help, just let me know. I'll do what I can.
