We are starting a small commercial cow/calf operation at our 160 acre ranch in KS, and after doing research, I decided I liked the Gelbvieh breed a lot (fertility, maternal traits, high producers, docile), and I want to raise Balancer calves (Gelbvieh/Angus cross) for their hybrid vigor.
I've talked with experienced breeders, and some say the easiest route is to start with Balancer females bred to Balancer bulls, which appeals to me, but Balancer females seem difficult to find. Others have suggested we start with red and/or black Gelbviehs, x with red Angus and create our own Balancer calves. Then someone else advised that we should create our herd so we have four options in case we want to sell registered cattle in the future: 1. sell red Gelbviehs, 2. sell black Gelbviehs, 3. sell red Balancers, 4. sell Black balancers.
I think I may begin with Gelbvieh cows bred to black Balancer bulls since black cattle sell best here. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions? Does it sound like I'm on the right track?
Also, is there a way to search past postings? I learn so much from these boards. Thanks in advance for your responses.
I've talked with experienced breeders, and some say the easiest route is to start with Balancer females bred to Balancer bulls, which appeals to me, but Balancer females seem difficult to find. Others have suggested we start with red and/or black Gelbviehs, x with red Angus and create our own Balancer calves. Then someone else advised that we should create our herd so we have four options in case we want to sell registered cattle in the future: 1. sell red Gelbviehs, 2. sell black Gelbviehs, 3. sell red Balancers, 4. sell Black balancers.
I think I may begin with Gelbvieh cows bred to black Balancer bulls since black cattle sell best here. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions? Does it sound like I'm on the right track?
Also, is there a way to search past postings? I learn so much from these boards. Thanks in advance for your responses.