Sniper338":1oig0i6z said:
I have land and its all set up on a silver platter for me to get cattle to raise and sell... i want to start off small... 6-15 head... ive been around it all my life... Im not a total newbie... what im looking for is where to start and info on how to figure out/research what breed/s i need to go with... im looking to do more of a meat cow to sell at the auction by pound... my first guess is angus cows and hereford bull... (and my sale barn confirmed that cross is saleing REALLY WELL) but where would i find info to help make a good decision?
Im looking to raise em, then drop em off at the auction to sell.... butcher one for meat here and there...
My land is all located in Texas, Guadelupe county to be exact...
Well - you have received a lot of "advice" from 'well-meaning' breeders of beef cattle, a lot of which are excellent suggestions, and some of which are
Single Trait Selection choices - which did NOT address your needs of "where to start" and "info on how to figure out/research what breeds need to go with'.
I shall attempt to very succinctly point you in the direction which -in my opinion - will save you many years of angst and heartache and possible anger in attempting to establish a breeding seed stock herd which should provide you with profitable beef progeny, and reward you with a successful beef producing business. You have stated that you ". . . have land and it's all set up on a silver platter for me to get cattle to raise and sell", and I choose to take you at your word.
I have FOUR pieces of advice for you at this juncture:
1) Use the information that is available for you on the INTERNET on
ANY SUBJECT OF BEEF PRODUCTION about which you have questions concerning ANY phase of beef production protocols! Just type your questions or requests in the subject box. Then SEARCH the material presented.
2) Listen carefully to older and successful breeders whom you respect and can truly
believe what they are saying!
3) Write to Three Trees Ranch, 544 Johnson Road, Sharpsburg, Georgia, OR call Chuck Grove, (434) 525-4687, and request a copy of their Genomic Giants Sale Catalog on April 27, 2015.
I am not suggesting that you purchase any of these cattle for sale at the Three Trees Sale. BUT, this catalog has a
tremendous
amount of information about the current status of the Beef Cattle Business (even though it is about the Angus breed), and you should use it a
TEXTBOOK of beef cattle protocols and regimens. You will learn more about the information you are seeking in one evening of studying this catalog than ten years of listening to moderately informed friends and neighbors who mean well, but are ten to thirty years behind the times in beef cattle management practices - and WHY times have changed!
. . . and one final admonition before I terminate this post: 4) Do NOT PRACTICE SINGLE TRAIT SELECTION CHOICES when selecting your long-time Genetic Foundation choices for your seed stock Foundation herd breeders!
You have a "Golden Scepter" in your hands to accompany your "Silver Platter" in the form of "Information Gathering" material! Use it wisely!
God will Bless your best efforts.
DOC HARRIS