Every now and then I drop by and I see a wreck in the distance. Usually I just read on and leave. But this guy wears a uniform - so I simply HAD to speak up.
Arkansas
You are a full time cop.
Unless you are independently wealthy you will never make enough money to get into and stay in the cattle biz with 20 acres and a few cows. Not if you plan to make money and be full time supported.
Anyone here tells you that you can make money as a newbie on a fresh start up – well, they are people with brown eyes.
Second off you are a full time cop (repeat I know) – to raise a whack of youngster calves and do it right you will need a partner – ie: wife. You will not do it on your own. Not if you want to maintain your sanity.
You try telling her she has to do chores because you need to work a double to make next months mortgage payment – might as well buy her a new house and give her the car and half your pension right away – if you do not the judge will – within 18 months.
Oh, and the judge will grant you some sort of visitation which you will not have time for since you are working a double shift every day to support your wife, her boyfriend and YOUR kids - make your mortgage payment - her mortgage payment - make your new car payment - because you gave the other car to her - and now the new boyfriend is driving it. Seen it all before.
I read your “smart study” budget. It is a load of crap that will have you selling the place at a loss in about 3 years. There is no money in small time cattle – it is a hobby. That means you might – just might – if you are lucky after all expenses – break even. But not likely.
At your knowledge level I would say you will be down to 75% by the end of the first year. Just because you see some dumb schitt farmer driving a broken down truck to town does not mean he is poor or stupid – he just saves his money for the time he knows he will be in the red.
You better have three years – yup three years operating capital sitting in the bank. Just because you love animals does not mean you can raise them. Investing everything to find out is a stupid way to find out.
You sound like a nice person who wants a change. Make the change but do not expect to do it on 20 acres and a few cows or calves. Make it a hobby that you are prepared to LOSE money on – fine.
You do this and plan to make money – please forgive me if I tell you RIGHT NOW – that when you go tits up I will give you a shout and say I told you so.
You might make it on goats or chickens – shorter turn around time and therefore more cash flow. You live and die on cash flow. Cows gives you year round expense and a tiny – one time inflow of cash. Usually less than you need. Before you buy and raise – know where you are going to sell them.
There is so much info on here but in the end just because everyone encourages you does not mean you need to do it. In fact that encouragement can and will make you go broke real fast.
You plan to work while all of this goes on you will see a side of life you are not used to. Try fencing / doctoring / feeding by headlight at 0200 so you can make your next shift or you can make that call to the neighbour so s/he can do it because you are on a double shift.
Those animals must eat and drink and it does not happen for nothing.
You buy equipment at your stage you are playing a fools game.
No return on investment. So – more outflow of cash. So put that tractor out of your mind and start thinking using that strong back and weak mind God provided for us all.
You can spend yourself into the poor house and onto the street – then someone like me will take it over from the banker. Happens regular like, so I am speaking truth.
My friend – buy the land – see if you can afford it. It is a decent investment at worst.
Then get it ready for animals - if you can afford it – then try to keep a job and do all required to hold the animals.
Better take a real close look at what you are thinking – otherwise someone is going to buy you out at pennies on the dollar when foreclosed upon.
Personally I think you need to see a shrink if you think you can afford to go full time – or for that matter do a 20 acre farmette in any part of the world and be self sufficient.
Remember what I said about folks with brown eyes – lots of encouragement – but that and 100 bucks will not fill up your pickup truck today.
Buy the land and rent it out to some other sucker who thinks he can make money on it. But you get the CASH for the rent at the START of each year.
You will clear more money (after expenses like the mortgage) - NOT! And work far less (true).
If you have time do some searches under the following words: start up, newbie, land, buying cattle, infrastructure, expenses, veterinarian, hay, tractor, equipment .... and probably a few more.
Use the following authors: Bez, Bez!, Bez?, Bez~ and Bez+ - may be a few more Bez derivatives - it has been a while since I was here - cannot remember all my old handles.
Do your homework bucko - you can be lead down the garden path by a bunch of well meaning folks who as nice as they are, have a habit of telling the story like they wish it was - rather than how it really is.
Best to ya',
Bez+
;-)
