Starting a new

[ChasnKen]

Well my husband and I are wanting to start a small cattle ranch. He has some experience in it and I don't. We are not sure how or where to look to get started. It's something small we don't want to go big. We also are looking for the ranch to put them on and live on as well. So if anyone has suggestions please let me know. I have to do all the research because he is in Iraq now. So let me know. Thanks ..........I think im pretty much gonna stay in Texas but I have thought about a couple other places but Texas is the main one as fo cattle thinking of staying with Black Angus but I am open to anything I dont plan on going over a 100 head for my first year I might start out less then that since I figure 2 acres a head well thats alot to try and purchase for someone starting out thanx for all the replies we have gotten read everyone of them and has given me alot to think about thanx again

 

[dun]

If you scan to the bottom the page on this link you'll find a lot of general information from different parts of the country on small beef herds.
The priamry thing is to have your infrastructure in place beforethe cows come home.

http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/library/s ... rch_val=25

dun

 

[Running Arrow Bill]

Rule to Success:

First: Money
Second: Infrastructure
Third: Livestock
Fourth: Keep them healthy and productive

 

[Susie David]

IMO there is alot of things to consider before jumping in with both feet.
1st....ask yourself why you want to start the business...the real reason. I have a whole bunch of canned answers but it all comes down to the fact that I don't want to work for wages.
2nd....research the business, which facet of cattle production will fit your needs, learn all aspects of it, pros & cons and all the little extras that you will need.....get a mentor.
3rd....develop a realistic financial plan, you may not get a paycheck for a long time...some folks only get one or two per year.
4th....develop a business plan, if you are ruthless, honest and accurate it will guide you through start-up and the learning phases of your operation.
Somewhere in there you need to locate property that will suit your needs (have to identify them first) within your budget or projected budget.
Follow the pervious advise....$$$ first, infrastructure(facillities, feed sources, equipment) then the cattle...what kind of operation, cow/calf, feeder, stocker, seed stock...what type of cattle...black ones, brown ones with white faces and manes, ones with big horns, ones with long ears or a combination. Not trying to be a cow's pattootie but you have alot of planning and information gathering to do. I'd start by getting your husband's ideas and dream location....alot of texans here who'll tell it like it is...(sorry capital "T") Texan's, be ready to listen.
Sorry 'bout rambling on...snowing again and I'm killing time before evening muster....DMc

 

[Caustic Burno]

Well my husband and I are wanting to start a small cattle ranch. He has some experience in it and I don't. We are not sure how or where to look to get started. It's something small we don't want to go big. We also are looking for the ranch to put them on and live on as well. So if anyone has suggestions please let me know. I have to do all the research because he is in Iraq now. So let me know. Thanks

This is not a free ride and a get rich quick way of life, most cattlemen that do well are very frugal and a jack of all trades.
Don't get BSed everthing to do with cattle has a cost as soon as you can realistic look at the cost of operations you have a chance.
First get your infrastructure in place, fences pens barns tractor etc.
Pick a good easy working commericial cow Herefords , Black baldies Chars.
Put a good Angus or Hereford Bull on any of the above and your calfs will bring good money at the salebarn.
Grow slow prices on replacements are high right now also be sure to not overstock your pasture, there will be droughts.
Just a few things off the top of my head.

 

[TK Ranch]

speaking from our own experience start small with what you can afford. Try not to borrow $$$ to purchase cattle. Raise the cattle that are most popular in your area unless you want to turn some heads like we did and have work twice as hard to market them. Start small and grow over time purchase stock from reputable breeders that will stand behind there product, and never ever think that you know every thing.

TK

ps, Hope your husband is doing well tell him to keep his head down and watch the shadows

 

[preston39]

chas...,

I think an assessment of your finances compared to your plan of approach is a good start. In the industrial business world it is called a ..."Pro-Forma".

This tells you the start up size/investment that is reasonable and should project profitability. Usually a smaller rural banker can offer a lot of help in this area.

Also, check with your local extension agent many have resources from the university they are associated with. Some universities offer outreach programs in their area for small busines ventures especially agriculture related.

You may wish to seek counsel with the small business administration for plan resources. Your local chamber of commerce may be helpful and could be a guide to other available information. If you are in a rural area seek counsel from a neighbor who has been successful in the business. Most will help. If you run into a rejection don't let that deter your interest seek another one. I would talk with the folks at the department of agriculture for any available planning assistance. Remember the goverment is big and cumbersome..always ask for the next possible location of assistance.

Commit to working long and hard hours.(Forgot) Also regardless of your current knowledge of the industry be committed to earning CEU'S. thru various sources as your environment dictates.

Good luck and yes...from a vet..."tell your husband to watch the shadows"... and thanks to him for his sacrifice from the family.

 

[dun]

ONE MANS CULL IS ANOTHER MANS PROBLEM in my book.

Sometimes that's true, but there are a lot of people that sell their bottom 10% cows or those older then 6-7. If the old girl has hung around for that long she may be gold in someon elses herd. Got our old Granny cow at the salebarn when she was 7. She'll be 14 next year and hasn't missed a beat. Until last year she was the boss cow but now a couple of youngsters (7 year olds) have taken over. But when they get distracted, Ol Granny just keeps on moving and ends up leading the parade. Other then vaccinations and AI I've never set a hand on her, she won;t stand for that nonsense, but she's probably my favorite cow. Just shipped out another cow we got the same time. She was so arthritic that she couldn;t get around too well, she was 11. Over the years we've only gotten 2 duds from the salebarn, a freemartin Brangus and an insane limousin. But that limo was probably one of the classiest looking heifers I've ever layed eyes on.

dun

 

[dun]

Anyone that buys a bull from the salebarn weekly sales gets just what he deserves. Back in june through august people were picking up some mighty good cows at the salebarns and hauling them to places that still had grass. Neighbor hauled 200 head to the salebarn and most of them would have been a real step up in quality for the majority of the herds around here.

dun

 

[Ryder]

Well my husband and I are wanting to start a small cattle ranch. He has some experience in it and I don't. We are not sure how or where to look to get started. It's something small we don't want to go big. We also are looking for the ranch to put them on and live on as well. So if anyone has suggestions please let me know. I have to do all the research because he is in Iraq now. So let me know. Thanks

I would first decide what part of the country I would best fit with. Personally, I don't want to live in snow country. There are some that don't like heat down south.

Get literature from extension people, university web sites, books. You need to learn a great deal before venturing out.

Would then check with real estate people, ag extension people, etc. for leads on available places and ask for advice on how large a place you need and costs to buy.

Suggest you do not hurry into this. At some point in time cattle are going to be a lot cheaper to buy than they are now.

 

[preston39]

dun,
you are so right. I see a bunch of 7-8 year olds that would be an upgrade for many at good prices. This is especally true in the registered/purebred herds. It is one of our main points of concentration for adding improved genetics to our herd.

I believe many herdsman cull to early in a cow's life span. While it had traditional based merit, current medicine,equpment,available management resources and improved environment calls that practice into question.

 

[dun]

dun,
you are so right. I see a bunch of 7-8 year olds that would be an upgrade for many at good prices. This is especally true in the registered/purebred herds. It is one of our main points of concentration for adding improved genetics to our herd.

I believe many herdsman cull to early in a cow's life span. While it had traditional based merit, current medicine,equpment,available management resources and improved environment calls that practice into question.

My old mentor alwasy maintained that a Holstein started making money in her 3rd lactation and every year after that was shear profit. I feel pretty much the same way about 6 year old beef cow. Why cull when they're just starting to really do the job they were hired for?.

dun

 

[dph]

That is very well written, dun.