I would like to get about 20 "hobby" cows in North Florida. Particularly Simmental or Angus. A few questions are how much land would be needed if they were to graze? ABOUT how much 20 registered cows would cost? And anything else you guys see fit. Thanks a bunch.
New Operation
- Thread starter fl-simmi
- Start date
Before the cows comes infrastructure and a marketing plan. Start with 4-5 cows and make sure that it's really your cup of tea before investing in a larger number. Start out with good commercial (preferably crossbred) cows. As to land requirements I have no idea about FL except it's south and where snowbirds head every winter.
Check and see if you have an extension office conveninet and talk to them about land/grazing/breeds/etc.
Check and see if you have an extension office conveninet and talk to them about land/grazing/breeds/etc.
A
Anonymous
in C fla, I do one head per acre of good bahia in the summer
In the winter I overseed with winter rye and still have to feed round bales jan and feb.
Generally, I dont carry more than one head per 2 acres, mainly because of the winter. N fl may be a little bit different, but it shouldnt be too far off.
In the winter I overseed with winter rye and still have to feed round bales jan and feb.
Generally, I dont carry more than one head per 2 acres, mainly because of the winter. N fl may be a little bit different, but it shouldnt be too far off.
It would change the amount of land you would need but it would also change the amount of money in your pocket. Feeding hay is a suckers game, should only be done for a few months of the year when pasture isn;t available.fl-simmi":37fhf522 said:
How long have you had the 2 cows? Been through a calving, breeding and weaning season yet?
JRGidaho`
Well-known member
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To echo what dun said, feeding any more hay than the barest minimum is the quickest way to lose money in the cow business. Using Management-intensive grazing or planned grazing should reduce your land requirement by at least 30-40% and allow you to graze many more days of the year. The farther you can stay away from owning any equipment and feeding hay, the less likely you are to lose money.fl-simmi":24yrk4lb said:
IMHO, registered cows on a small scale is the next fastest way to lose money after feeding hay. About 90% of new registered operations fail in the first five years. There can be good money in the registered seedstock business but it usually comes after you have made a lot of mistakes (success is the product of good judgement, good judgement is the progeny of bad judgement...) and developed a reputation for producing quality cattle. I also suggest starting with commercial cattle and I wouldn't even worry about getting the best commercial cattle. You'll get a broader education with second rate cows and the financial impact of a wreck will be much less.
bigbull338
Well-known member
i can answer some of your qs.with a 20 cow herd youd need atlest 40acs.that way you might could have grass pretty much year round.an that would cut your hay bill.now for the cost of reg cows.for either breed your looking at $1500 to $2000 a hd.
Running Arrow Bill
Well-known member
Start small, expand as your experience and capabilities expand.
Few producers can not avoid feeding any hay throughout the year. Grass does go dormant and lose protein.
If you plan to breed, buy the best bull and the best females you can afford. Go to a reputable breeder for your breeding stock...stay away from the Sale Barn. Get infrastructure in place first. Look at the offspring of both bull and cows...don't rely solely on pedigrees, EPD's, or other statistics. Pay close attention to temperament (it's 40% heritable)...you want calm bulls and females.
Registered operations take several years to succeed (or, even break even)...if you have right breeding stock, offspring, marketing, and a lot of luck. "Crossbred" stock (if they look good) can always be liquidated at sale barn.
The cattle business is a poker game...and you rarely have a Full House, Straight, or 4 Aces in your hand...lol.
Few producers can not avoid feeding any hay throughout the year. Grass does go dormant and lose protein.
If you plan to breed, buy the best bull and the best females you can afford. Go to a reputable breeder for your breeding stock...stay away from the Sale Barn. Get infrastructure in place first. Look at the offspring of both bull and cows...don't rely solely on pedigrees, EPD's, or other statistics. Pay close attention to temperament (it's 40% heritable)...you want calm bulls and females.
Registered operations take several years to succeed (or, even break even)...if you have right breeding stock, offspring, marketing, and a lot of luck. "Crossbred" stock (if they look good) can always be liquidated at sale barn.
The cattle business is a poker game...and you rarely have a Full House, Straight, or 4 Aces in your hand...lol.
