> I acquired about 160 acres of
> grassland in the TX panhandle a
> few years ago and have been
> running a few commercial cows. I
> have been looking for ways to make
> a little more money with them. One
> possibility I have thought about
> is to raise purebred calves which
> demand higher prices. However, I
> have no experience with this.
> What are good breeds to consider
> at this time? How is marketing the
> heifers/bulls usually done? What
> percentage of the offspring of a
> high quality cow and high quality
> bull will display the traits that
> demand top dollar from breeders?
Hi Cody,
Raising breeding stock can be very enjoyable and sometimes more profitable than commercial cattle, but it will take more time to do it right and be successful.
Most breed associations now require (or highly suggest) taking weights of the calves at birth, weaning, and as yearlings. In addition to that you will have to maintain accurate records including breeding dates, calving dates, weights, sire, dam, etc.
Most successful seedstock suppliers are also good at marketing their cattle. You need to promote your herd and cattle. Just putting a sign up "bulls for sale" next to your driveway won't likely bring you much business. This requires ads in local ag papers, farm signs, sponsoring local 4-H awards, and getting involved in local and state beef associations.
Successful seedstock breeders also have a good understanding of the beef business. They understand the needs of the commercial beef producer, have a good understanding of the latest in beef technology (i.e. epds, grid marketing, etc.), and they know what differentiates a good animal from a poor one (both in physical appearance and in genetics). In today's beef business seedstock suppliers are often expected to be an expert who provides their commercial customers with advice on marketing, breeding decisions and other beef production related information.
I have heard it said that the average beef seed stock producer stays in business for seven years. Too often cattle producers think they can make big bucks by raising breeding stock. They think if they buy a registered bull and some heifers of a certain breed that they are automatically in the purebred business and that it will be no problem selling the resulting calves for big bucks. Most find out that it isn't that easy.
As far as breeds go, find out from local stockyard managers and commercial cattle producers what breeds do well in your area. However, don't choose a breed in which there are already several breeders in the area in which you plan to sell breeding stock. For example here in Indiana there are more Angus breeders than any other breed, consequently it is difficult for new Angus breeders in our area to sell bulls and heifers since there is already so much competition.
Good luck!
