rockridgecattle
Well-known member
Shipped calves today.
As i have mentioned before, we sold alot of cows last year and it was a difficult decision. HOWEVER, after loading the truck, what a difference in size of calves. I do not know actual weights, that will be tomorrow. But the size of them! We were stocked heavy before, too much if we had a drought, or in our case flood, but sort of enough if it was a good growing season. Now we are a slight bit understocked, (a bit of wasted grass, and they were very picky eaters this summer) if there is such a thing. The calves had nice round hips, thick shoulders and stood taller. Got squished by a few and they are definitely heavier.
I think it was a good desicion to sell. I am eager to see the wean weight averages to see if they are really higher or if it is my imagination in overdrive!
There were two calves from heifers. The calves were definitely smaller. One a steer, the other a bull we were thinking on growing out. In a perfect world, we might have kept the cows and waited on another year to see if they comes up in milk. With prices not great and the looks of the other heifer's calves, I'm leaning towards selling or butchering. What are your thoughts? Both have had one calf only, and are 2 1/2 years old, and not bad shape. Hubby is leaning to keep, I'm leaning to sell/butcher Opinions?
Preg testing is next Thursday and we are culling again any opens and misfits and cut that one we thought might make a good bull.
Our vet got an ultrasound to preg test on farm. She says her arm and shoulder are happy, looking forward to seeing the new toy!
As i have mentioned before, we sold alot of cows last year and it was a difficult decision. HOWEVER, after loading the truck, what a difference in size of calves. I do not know actual weights, that will be tomorrow. But the size of them! We were stocked heavy before, too much if we had a drought, or in our case flood, but sort of enough if it was a good growing season. Now we are a slight bit understocked, (a bit of wasted grass, and they were very picky eaters this summer) if there is such a thing. The calves had nice round hips, thick shoulders and stood taller. Got squished by a few and they are definitely heavier.
I think it was a good desicion to sell. I am eager to see the wean weight averages to see if they are really higher or if it is my imagination in overdrive!
There were two calves from heifers. The calves were definitely smaller. One a steer, the other a bull we were thinking on growing out. In a perfect world, we might have kept the cows and waited on another year to see if they comes up in milk. With prices not great and the looks of the other heifer's calves, I'm leaning towards selling or butchering. What are your thoughts? Both have had one calf only, and are 2 1/2 years old, and not bad shape. Hubby is leaning to keep, I'm leaning to sell/butcher Opinions?
Preg testing is next Thursday and we are culling again any opens and misfits and cut that one we thought might make a good bull.
Our vet got an ultrasound to preg test on farm. She says her arm and shoulder are happy, looking forward to seeing the new toy!