New from Central MS

[BeginningFarmer]

I am 26 years old and recently purchased 60 acres of land here in Central MS. I am wanting to get some cattle ( just a few starting out) and would like any advise or tips you guys and gals might have.

My place is approx. 45 acres of open pasture with the remaining 15 in timber and two small ponds. Most of the grass looks to be Bahai grass with plenty of weeds and some fescue mixed in also. I have applied for some grants to get it soil sampled and limed. I have very limited experience dealing with cattle but I have some as far as putting out hay and fixing fences is concerned.

My boundry fences definately need some work done to them and I have already begun cleaning around these and the cross fences that are already in place. The two cross fences that already exist divide the place into three sections that are around 15-20 acres each.

I would like to start small (6-10 head) and progress over a year or two. I am not looking for a quick return on whatever I start with but my time would be limited as to how much I can spend on the farm. I have a full time job (45hrs.) but I can go out there each evening and spend most of the weekends out there.

Most folks around here have black or red angus so I guess that's what I would be most interested in. I'm kinda thinking I would like to have some older, experienced cows that have calved before but I'm not sure either?

Any suggestions, tips, advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[angus9259]

Welcome.

Sounds like you're on track.

Things needed before cattle are 1. fences, 2. water, 3. working / loading facilities.

I think your plan to start with what's local is a great decision. Shop a number of them in your area - they will be your greatest asset for emergency phone calls when you need help and for finding bulls and maybe even marketing your calves. I think Sydenstrickers does that in your area.

I especially like the idea of starting with some older cows. I think there's great value in older cattle and tend to buy them myself when they're 6 or so years old.

But I'd definitely look into the local red / black angus associations in your area for some breeder referrals, make some visits, and hold on to your wallet!!

 

[slick4591]

:welcome: Be sure to use the search feature on this site and you'll find many of your questions already answered.

 

[1wlimo]

:welcome:

 

[cmf1]

Having facilities in order before the first cow gets there will save a lot of grief down the road.
The more experience the cow has, the less you have to have.
What's popular in your area sure makes it easier to start with, and you can always change your mind later.
Angus9259 is right on with what he said.
Welcome from So. Louisiana

 

[Isomade]

I agree with 9259, sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I would also find a mentor or contact your county extension officer. They can help you with things like grass management, stocking rate, and a whole host of things you may have questions about. I like the idea of older cows, and it's hard to go wrong with commercial black Angus. There are plenty of them around and the calves sell well every time.

 

[MO_cows]

:welcome:

You will get good information and advice here but it don't come sugar coated. Doing your homework and starting small and building up sounds like a good start. When you are ready for cattle, 3-in-1's can be a good way to go. Usually a good value and you don't have to mess with breeding for awhile.

 

[BeginningFarmer]

When you say 3-in-1's, that's a cow/calf pair with the cow already bred?

And my catch pen is in fairly good shape other than a few boards needing put back up and minor fencing but what else do I really need? Is a barn a must? I know I will need to buy some feed troughs but what facilities would I need?

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

:welcome: from Upstate New York
I totally agree with buying bred COWS (3 in 1's are a great deal if you can find them)
You need a way to restrain a cow - work facilities. At minimum, a gate/alleyway system that you can "lock" the cow so that she cannot go forward or back & cannot swing sideways.
Most cattlemen have a workchute or at least a head lock.
Cattle can get hurt or sick or need assistance calving, needing to be restrained. Also, you should have a health program - vaccinations pertinant to your area & deworming. You really should find a vet and introduce yourself & invite him to your farm for his advice. One day, you may have an emergency and it's a whole lot easier to get a vet out if he has at least MET you.
Contact your local extension office and sign up for notices of beef meetings.
Enjoy - they are a lot of work but great rewards - newborns are such a pleasure.

 

[daniel.carver]

:welcome: from Anderso MO
I do a lot of reading on this site, I'm A BEGINNER also. There is endless info on here, and if you do ask a question, there is never a dumb one, that's what I like about thes folks. They don't sugar coat it, they just answer w/facts, plain & simple. I think a corral & head gate are a must. The barn can come later, unless your rich. I have a metal feed trough, & it's really heavy. The only draw back is that it gets hot in the summer months, so I feed in the early morning. I keep a water tank full at all times, due to our ponds are wet weather ponds, meaning they don't hold water well. I'm trying to keep what I've got alive. I started w/short & solids, I had one that was acting sick. I called the vet out & he said that she was not sick, just great grandma old. He told me to ship her, I got to atttched & thought I could save her. She died 2 weeks later. NEWBIE mistake. Cows are high right now, what was I thinking!!
Again welcome to the boards & good luck. Dan

 

[Dixieangus]

First let me say :welcome:

Second: you dont have to have brand new feed troughs or anything new for that matter (maybe a few things), a plastic barrel cut into is what i use. Next you need a good used head gate (new if you have the money) but something that will work if you need to doctor a cow, etc.

Best of luck :tiphat:

 

[shaz]

Make pasture a top priority when you get your fences in order.

 

[Anonymous]

i agree with everything said and it sounds like youre well on your way. most importantly i agree with what was said about pasture. get it up to par asap. its alot more difficult to get the pasture right once there are cattle on it. especially if you stock it to its capacity.

 

[Isomade]

Make pasture a top priority when you get your fences in order.

:nod: and no, you don't need a barn. If you want to cover your hay look into a hay tarp, much cheaper and you can spend your money on pasture, cows, tractor, brush hog, ect...

 

[Kathie in Thorp]

Geez, Beginning Farmer, I wish I'd have soaked up some of your young smarts before I started with cattle as an old fart!

One thing I did learn about outside hay storage: Don't get it plastic'd up so tight that it's like a zip-lock bag! If there's any moisture in the hay, or some makes it's way in, the moisture will condense and give you mold problems. We have barn storage now, but used to store hay on a sand/gravel base, pallets over that, hay on top of that, and tarp that well-covered the stack tied down at the bottom to the pallets. Worked pretty good.