Making room for another bull

[HOSS]

Well, time to upgrade genetics this spring. I took my current bull to the sale today and hoping for the best. He is 5 years old and about 2k in weight so he will probably go as a slaughter bull. I hate it because he has given me two good calf crops with some great heifers which I am retaining so he must go :( I tried to sell him outright but he is a red angus and everyone here wants black which is what I am also switching to. I decided that I do not want to feed him over the winter with hay conditions being as they are so off to the sale he went. I doubt I will ever find another bull as gentle and easy to work with as he was. Even the vet could walk up to him and do the vaccinations while he lay in the sun chewing his cud. I will miss him but must prepare to buy his replacement by May as that is the timeline to participate in the state sponsered Ag Enhancement program where they will pay 50% of a new bull or up to $1,000.00. The new bull has to be above average in the breed EPD's for WW, BW YW and Milk. I am strongly considering a Gelbvieh (homozygous black / polled) to cross on my BA and RA cows and heifers.

Wish me luck :cboy:

 

[bigbull338]

you are lucky to have up to $1000 grant.to help buy a new bull.

 

[blacksnake]

In September, I did the same thing. Gentle bull, gave good calves. But with hay scarce and twice the cost, I figured he was the most expendable going into the winter. Mine was around 2000 lb and only got $56/cwt. Selling was a hard decision, would have been easier if his disposition was bad.

 

[dyates]

you are lucky to have up to $1000 grant.to help buy a new bull.

One would think so. However, it seems that the cost-share money around here has simply driven up the price of bulls.

 

[*Cowgirl*]

you are lucky to have up to $1000 grant.to help buy a new bull.

One would think so. However, it seems that the cost-share money around here has simply driven up the price of bulls.

Not here...This year, I sold my 4 yr old - Bought a new bull with the AG Enhancement $ ( got 50% b/c of Master Beef Producer ) and made $125 for my trouble

 

[Limomike]

Well, time to upgrade genetics this spring. I took my current bull to the sale today and hoping for the best. He is 5 years old and about 2k in weight so he will probably go as a slaughter bull. I hate it because he has given me two good calf crops with some great heifers which I am retaining so he must go :( I tried to sell him outright but he is a red angus and everyone here wants black which is what I am also switching to. I decided that I do not want to feed him over the winter with hay conditions being as they are so off to the sale he went. I doubt I will ever find another bull as gentle and easy to work with as he was. Even the vet could walk up to him and do the vaccinations while he lay in the sun chewing his cud. I will miss him but must prepare to buy his replacement by May as that is the timeline to participate in the state sponsered Ag Enhancement program where they will pay 50% of a new bull or up to $1,000.00. The new bull has to be above average in the breed EPD's for WW, BW YW and Milk. I am strongly considering a Gelbvieh (homozygous black / polled) to cross on my BA and RA cows and heifers.

Wish me luck :cboy:

Thats tuff giving up a good bull like that isnt it? Reminds me of when I gave up my good ol beefmaster bull (hector). He was a dandy, and gave me some great calves. The bull I got now is the same way (black Limo) and he is just now 6 years old, and gentle as a lamb. Gonna hate to get rid of him, but must do it.