What to do with these bulls?

[texanstraders]

I have 1 outstanding bull and 1 good Shorthorn bull calves born the first week in May. Bought the momma's from the WHR spring sale. They are obviously not the right time of year for the show steer market and they don't have validation for the Texas FFA shows. The neighbors boy showed a heifer for us last year and he had a good time. I can't afford to send him all over the US showing a bull. Guess my question is, what now...Do I keep halter breaking them and try to find a suitable buyer that wants a herd bull or to show a bull? I am guessing they don't show the bulls here in Texas at the local shows...I don't need a bull (got a herd bull from the last WHR sale).... Any thoughts please...

 

[Avalon]

Options on Shorthorns are fairly limited when it comes to higher priced cattle. Seems that the market on Shorthorn bulls in Texas has been pretty weak as of late. However the calf is about the right age for 2010 State Fair in Dallas. It is the only premium steer show/sale that I know of in Texas during the fall. If he is really good there are some steer jocks (used car salesmen for steers) That can probably find a good home for him at a decent profit to you. Post some pics and lets see'em.

 

[Avalon]

correction I meant 2009 State Fair...... Shtupid ME!

 

[texanstraders]

Here is the picture of the best one...Dam is WHR Robin 1R10 / Sire is WHR Sonny 3924...

 

[Avalon]

Show me a rear view. At this point my opinon is cut & cull him. He may be good but he doesnt look like a $2500.00 shorthorn bull to me. At the current cost of feed you can not come out on them unless they are that vauluable.

 

[texanstraders]

Here's another shot..I appreciate the honest feedback. Time is money, no sense wasting either..

 

[Avalon]

I will only speak as if he were in my little herd in central Texas. Lets just say he is my breed at my place. here is what I'd be telling myself. Too much sheath, out of balance, not near stout enough to be a bull (meat muscle bone & flank). Just by his looks I'd say he will not be an efficient feeder either. If he were mine (and this is only by looking at a picure, mind you) I would send him to the sale barn the day he's weaned. And yes I'm just as critical about my cattle and do have plenty that get culled. But by all means get a neighbors opinion also. Preferably one that has bought plenty of bulls. He's just not that $2500. bull I was talking about. (at least when it comes to phnotype and structure).

 

[texanstraders]

THANKS...As I hang out and ask questions on this board I REALLY appreciate straightforward feedback..Can't beat it. I wish I could get some straight feedback other places in my world...
Back to the drawing board...You know, If I could get a heifer out of these girls I'd be happy. I've had 1 heifer in the last 4 years out of 5 cows...Must be the water. Maybe I will buy sexed embryos.

 

[chippie]

My suggestion would be to cut him and advertise him for a 2009 Fall County show. There are a few counties that are still hair shows. He doesn't have the conformation for a slick sheared show.

Our fair is in September and the exhibitors are looking at steers for next year. They usually buy in Sept or October.

Good luck.

 

[*Cowgirl*]

For a 3 month old calf, from only 2 pictures, I don't think he's that bad. I agree with previous posters about him not being a $2500 bull but he could make a decent show steer. You might as well finish halter breaking since it's so much easier when they are young, and I would reevaluate him at weaning.



PS - Please put that halter on correctly. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine ;-)

 

[texanstraders]

Ok couple things...Keep the info coming, I love it.
1) Is the halter on "wrong" because its on the wrong side ?
2) On the TH & PHA, do I need to test him seperately or is it enough that the Dam and Sire certified ?
3) Do the county shows require validation here in Texas (We're in Collin County)
4) BIGGIE- I guess I need to move my breeding to having fall calves, would that be the best assumption ?

 

[Avalon]

Ok couple things...Keep the info coming, I love it.
1) Is the halter on "wrong" because its on the wrong side ?

Just noticed, yes it is on wrong.

2) On the TH & PHA, do I need to test him seperately or is it enough that the Dam and Sire certified ?

Not positive about the testing procedures. If he will be cut no need to test since it is genetic in nature.
You should ask your Texas Shorthorn fieldman regarding proper procedures for your breed.

3) Do the county shows require validation here in Texas (We're in Collin County)?

As far as I know all counties require vlidation. Collin county has a bunch of steer people, so you can count on a validation there. Check with a local Ag teacher or CEA for that.

4) BIGGIE- I guess I need to move my breeding to having fall calves, would that be the best assumption ?

If you are shooting for show steers the answer is yes. Most likeley you will need to make it earlier than normal for texas shows. say August-September. I like to calve in September-October. But this is because it matches MY schedule. Therefore if steers are not your goal, you will just need to look at optimal scheduling, grass conditions for the momma's to milk well etc. I'm never concerned about the cold. but calving in the heat of a Texas summer especially this one, I get a bit concerned. We have some cows specifically bred for club calves this year. They are due mid to late August. (My son's idea) I hope this heat wave has passed by then or we may have a problem. That's probably clear as mud?

 

[sackshowcattle]

If the show route is something you want to do then there is always denver in January, and also a winter show in arizon. I don't know how far you want to go but those are some good market shows that the calves would be the right age. they are a little young for county shows around here as we calve in Jan. through March, But some of the states around you might have shows around the right time for those calves. Sometimes you have to look around to find a place for a calf to go. I went clear to missouri one year with a calf because he was to old for denver and to young for state or county fairs.

 

[iowahawkeyes]

Cut that calf and if this is the best one, cut the other too.