warped04
Well-known member
Hey guys,
There's a wealth of knowledge among these forums, and I'd like to lean on it a bit. I've been hanging around long enough to know that y'all will ask more questions in regards to my situation that I may not have the answers to yet, as I'm not a concrete set of plans type of guy. I feel that I need to be flexible, with the overall goal in sight.
So just a touch of background. I'm moving from Southern Cali to Northern Idaho. We are moving onto currently 20 acres, but I maybe able to expand and additional 20 (and there's plenty of vacant land around me to expand at a later date). From my local co-op, I've found a pasture mix that doesn't need irrigation. Our family friend in So Cal, has a couple of cows, and has our steer (to feed my family). He direct markets beef locally. I'm not looking into cows as a full time gig, as I have a job already. I'm not in it to make a million dollars, but I'm hoping to direct market and at least show a small profit. I've worked on his property to "earn my keep" as I'm just in the steer for the steer cost and hay cost, so I'm not ignorant, but I'm no expert.
So I need to start my own herd (it's a lifestyle choice. I think this country needs to slow down the pace, and I want to teach it to my kids) And I've found that the ranchers selling their heifers want $2000/hd, where a similar heifer at the treasure valley auction goes around $145/cwt on the high side. I also understand you get what you pay for, but I'm just starting out. I'm looking to pick up 6 head or 6 pairs this fall, hay them through the winter (hay is pretty cheap up here) or 6 head/pairs next spring, while I get the pasture ready.
I maybe asking you guys to compare apples to oranges here, but to start a "hobby herd" am I off base trying to look at the sale barn instead of the ranchers? I know y'all are those ranchers, so that's why I come to you.
There's a wealth of knowledge among these forums, and I'd like to lean on it a bit. I've been hanging around long enough to know that y'all will ask more questions in regards to my situation that I may not have the answers to yet, as I'm not a concrete set of plans type of guy. I feel that I need to be flexible, with the overall goal in sight.
So just a touch of background. I'm moving from Southern Cali to Northern Idaho. We are moving onto currently 20 acres, but I maybe able to expand and additional 20 (and there's plenty of vacant land around me to expand at a later date). From my local co-op, I've found a pasture mix that doesn't need irrigation. Our family friend in So Cal, has a couple of cows, and has our steer (to feed my family). He direct markets beef locally. I'm not looking into cows as a full time gig, as I have a job already. I'm not in it to make a million dollars, but I'm hoping to direct market and at least show a small profit. I've worked on his property to "earn my keep" as I'm just in the steer for the steer cost and hay cost, so I'm not ignorant, but I'm no expert.
So I need to start my own herd (it's a lifestyle choice. I think this country needs to slow down the pace, and I want to teach it to my kids) And I've found that the ranchers selling their heifers want $2000/hd, where a similar heifer at the treasure valley auction goes around $145/cwt on the high side. I also understand you get what you pay for, but I'm just starting out. I'm looking to pick up 6 head or 6 pairs this fall, hay them through the winter (hay is pretty cheap up here) or 6 head/pairs next spring, while I get the pasture ready.
I maybe asking you guys to compare apples to oranges here, but to start a "hobby herd" am I off base trying to look at the sale barn instead of the ranchers? I know y'all are those ranchers, so that's why I come to you.