I didn't know how to answer this question.

[skyhightree1]

I was at the local feed store and ran into one of my people I lease land from for row crops he is interested in buying some cattle no more than 10 he said and a few alpacas or sheep. He asked me was it possible to raise livestock without owning a tractor. I told him I guess not sure I have never not had one but if you don't mind paying someone to do the tractor tasks I guess you could. I guess if he bought his own hay that was square bales he could im not sure thats what I told him. What say you ?

 

[LauraleesFarm]

I know plenty of people who have a few cows or horses and no tractor. It can be done. Of course can feed square bales. OR One of those little bale spear trailers will move the round hay. Buy hay and have it delivered. Then move one bale at a time with the bale spear trailer hooked to the truck. Lots of horse people live this way. Some don't even have the bale spear ....they load a flatbed trailer and / or the pickup bed, wrap a strap on it and pull out from under one bale at a time. Keep hotwire around the extra bales, separated, and unhook wire around the one you are feeding.

Me personally I don't see how we could do it without at least 2 tractors and a gator. And a front end loader is an absolute necessity.

 

[Alan]

I ran 15 to 20 head for 6 or 7 years without owning a tractor. I did rent one a few times in that period to brush hog. I have always fed small squares, mostly because that's what's baled here mostly. I bought a 4 wheeler a couple of years into cattle, that saved a lot od foot work, we only have 70 acres. So on a small place I would say yes.

I do have a tractor as of 5 or 6 years ago.

 

[Jalopy]

It depends on how much he is willing to hire done. There is hay to be moved even square bales have to be moved usually by the wagon load. Then there is the manure that needs to piled or spread. These things can all be accomplished by hand with enough time but whether they can be done timely is another factor. Also in the winter I assume you have snow and probably there would be a need to move some around in the cattle lots. So I guess it can be done but it would be more efficient wit a tractor. JMHO-JLP

 

[chippie]

you can do it without a tractor. we did for years, although my husband used a team of horses to feed and mow. I think that it would really depend on where you live. We don't get snow here.

 

[M5farm]

I know a few that do. They feed round rolls. The seller delivers and they use a hay stealer to put them in the pasture.

 

[cow pollinater]

About the only tractors you see around here on the cow outfits are dozers for fire control and road maintenance. I wouldn't own a tractor if I didn't farm but I do haul one up with me occasionally to move a chute or something like that. Just about everyone here with more than a few cows drives a flatbed and feeds square bales off of it.

 

[skyhightree1]

Thanks all for the responses I will let him know seems as though everyone says it can be done. I will let him know.

 

[denvermartinfarms]

I agree it can be done, but is better with even the help of a 1000$ 8n.

 

[Bigfoot]

I hadn't thought about it in years, but when i was a teenager I fed hay two winters with a 1969 international scout and a ground slide. I had 20 or so cows as best I remember. I would man handle a roll on to the slide, and drag it out in the field. I sold the scout, and bought a 135 Massey Fergueson my senior year. The tractor was nice to have, but I missed the scout. It actually was a chick magnet for some reason. Especially with the top off. Everybody wanted to ride in it.

 

[Commercialfarmer]

but I missed the scout. It actually was a chick magnet for some reason. Especially with the top off. Everybody wanted to ride in it.

My wife included. There is an elderly man that has promised to sell his scout to my wife for years, mint condition. To him it is a running joke, to her it is a dream.

 

[tsmaxx47]

skyhigh, how old a fella you talkin about?

 

[jedstivers]

He doesn't need a tractor, he has a tenet that had plenty of tractors.

 

[pdfangus]

if he gets his stocking rate right and manages his grazing I see no need for a tractor.....

 

[skyhightree1]

He doesn't need a tractor, he has a tenet that had plenty of tractors.

Good one jed lol I won't mind if he cuts my rent lol

Ts I think hes late 40's early 50's in age.

 

[skyhightree1]

I spoke with him his issue was he doesnt have the capital to put up for livestock tractor and fencing. I told him get livestock and fencing he can save money made from livestock sales to buy a tractor later. He doesn't want to finance a tractor just pay for it out right.

 

[J&D Cattle]

I made due borrowing an old Ford 601 Workmaster from my Dad to mow with. I put a winch and spike in the back of my truck to feed with and rolled on. Wife just ok'd me buying a lighly used John Deere 5310 with loader. Picked up a 8' 3pt mower last weekend too. I feel like I hit the big time now!

 

[skyhightree1]

Wife just ok'd me buying a lighly used John Deere 5310 with loader. quote]

I would have just came home with it. :lol: Congrats on the tractor...

 

[ALACOWMAN]

feller down the road from me dont have a tractor, buys his round bales.. when he gets ready to feed one, he and his kids roll it up on a utility trailer pulled with his 4 wheeler...

 

[skyhightree1]

feller down the road from me dont have a tractor, buys his round bales.. when he gets ready to feed one, he and his kids roll it up on a utility trailer pulled with his 4 wheeler...

there is always a way.. it may not be the easy way or the right way but there is always a way.. I always say whatever works