I know we've got the thread about whether one could make a living, but I'd like to give my specific situation and get comments. I have no intentions of getting rich or even making a living with cattle; I already have a good job. But I have had changes in my life and would like to get into some cattle for enjoyment and supplemental income. I think it could eventually be profitable, but there are mixed opinions from friends.
I have 130 acres paid for and half is in pasture. I would like to build a cow/calf operation with beef cattle. I am currently buying calves from 4 to 6 months old averaging $300 each to raise as the mothers. I would eventually like to have a herd of 20 cows. I feel 20 would be manageable both for me and the land. No money will be borrowed. I believe I can have around 140 rolls of hay from my farm, but I don't have the equipment for hay, like mowers and rollers. So, I rely one others to manage the hay for a portion of it as payment. I will probably have to buy some hay.
I live in KY, so we don't usually have extreme summers and winters like I hear about in other places. Does this sound like I could make a profit in a few years? I say yes, but there are always those who say, "You can't make anything fooling with cattle." That always makes me wonder, though, why they have done it for 30 years.
I have 130 acres paid for and half is in pasture. I would like to build a cow/calf operation with beef cattle. I am currently buying calves from 4 to 6 months old averaging $300 each to raise as the mothers. I would eventually like to have a herd of 20 cows. I feel 20 would be manageable both for me and the land. No money will be borrowed. I believe I can have around 140 rolls of hay from my farm, but I don't have the equipment for hay, like mowers and rollers. So, I rely one others to manage the hay for a portion of it as payment. I will probably have to buy some hay.
I live in KY, so we don't usually have extreme summers and winters like I hear about in other places. Does this sound like I could make a profit in a few years? I say yes, but there are always those who say, "You can't make anything fooling with cattle." That always makes me wonder, though, why they have done it for 30 years.