Starting a small scale cattle operation:

We get many calls and inquiries about our cattle management and breeding protocols. We are always happy to help a small start-up operation.



It can be very challenging indeed to select the right breeds for your operation, learning about A.I. or natural covering, learning when a cow or heifer is in season, about calving, and so much more… it can be overwhelming, but please do not let that damper your great adventure into cattle ranching. It is easy, fun and very rewarding for folks of all ages, yes, children too.



Make your breed selections and decide what kind of cattle operation fits your needs.

Do you want a dairy cow? Do you want to grow your own beef? Do you want a little of both?

Do you want beautiful cattle for showcasing?

Decide if you want a bull on-site for natural covering or if you prefer A.I.(artificial insemination)

Have a good plan in place for feeding or pasture (living grass) grazing

Provide 24hr access to clean water

Make time to spend with your animals

Select a seasoned and experienced bull for a first time heifer. Be certain that bone structures and breed are similar as to avoid any injuries from breeding or a challenging pregnancy or difficulty calving.

We never breed yearlings, but that is just what we prefer.

Decide in advance, what you are going to do with a bull calf and what you are going to do with a heifer calf. It is always good to have a short term and long term plan.

We keep the calves with their mothers, we simply do things naturally. There are several choices for you to select from.



Develop a list of reliable and honest veterinarians, experienced breeders, log-time ranchers, helpful neighbors, and knowledgeable friends to be a phone call away, at a moment’s notice. Always be proud to ask questions, ask for advice, and ask for help! ***Never let an animal suffer due to your pride, that is not acceptable.***

Did you know that calves will stay on teat for up-to 1 whole year, if the mother allows?
Each individual cow is different and it is important to know your herd and their behaviors.

PROBLEMS: Things happen, even if everything you do is perfect. Do not let this discourage you. Be ready for any possible complications arising in your herd, such as injuries, sickness, dry-coat, loss of appetite, know the signs of copper deficiency etc.

SOLUTIONS:

You do not have to be a veterinarian to cattle ranch, you do not need to be a geneticist to selectively breed. Do not be misled by garbage being pumped out onto the internet by so-called experts.

True ranching, industry professionals are always ready, glad and willing to help each other. You will rarely hear them speak above your head (very rude), and they are always ready and eager to participate in helping you succeed.

We know from our many years of experience and knowledge that the most important thing is to have a strong love, true respect and understanding of all the animals you are working with.

It is not rocket science! But it can and will get very-very expensive. We manage our cattle expenses 1-2 years in advance. This method works for us, since we operate a private C.S.A. program.

Our pure breed and registered cattle have been grown by children for 4-h projects and F.F.A with tremendous success, and we are very proud.

Our cattle have gone into the show circuit by both children and adults, (even adults new to the showcasing circuit): with great success.

Our cattle end up on our dinner plate, and they are most delicious and nutritious.



Whatever your ideas or desires, we are happy to share our knowledge, education, experience and resources with you, to help you get started. We will put you in touch with honest and reliable industry professionals and veterinarians, field processors, butchers, ranchers and more, to get your list started.

If you are looking for small (dual purpose) breeds, heritage cattle, we have purebred Australian Herefords, American Lowlines (not hybrid), True Heritage, lowline Angus and Irish Dexters. We can help you put together a very nice starter herd.

If you are looking for hybrid “meat class” cattle, we can put you in touch with some of our wonderful rancher-friends that specialize in Certified Red Angus, Black Angus and White Angus, as well as various English and French breeds.

Some of our friends have been family ranchers for 3 and 4 consecutive generations and that is impressive, and we love them!

Comments

  1. Great info, it will come in handy in the future when I decide to take the plunge :)

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  2. I always felt the best way to learn something like this is by doing it. Do you have internship or apprentice opportunities? Something where someone who only has 2 weeks at a time to give can help out and learn from the ground up?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be interested in this as well

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  3. Aha, its good conversation about this piece of writing here at this website, I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.
    Cattle for sale
    Alberta farm auctions

    ReplyDelete
  4. I need help start my farm up please email me at drivetruck898@Gmail. com I need information about starting up and raising 10 beef cows and one dairy cow and chickens and 10 acres gardens.

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  5. We are interested in starting up and raising 10 beef cows on approximately 16 acre fenced pasture. In addition, there is approximately 150+ free range mountainous terrain with year round creek access. Please advise, email: lonz2000@yahoo.com

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  6. I need help setting up my cattle Ranch. Can i undergo training/apprenticeship with you, to get some knowledge?
    Pls contact me via: chioma.oboh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Please i need help setting up a cattle Ranch. Do you run apprenticeship program? Or short training? My contact:chioma.oboh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I need help setting up my cattle Ranch. Can i undergo training/apprenticeship with you, to get some knowledge?
    Pls contact me via: chioma.oboh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. How do we get your help with starter herd?my email is christinedarling104@gmail.com

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  10. I need help with starter herd and then how to get in contact with processing places to sell off cows, chickens etc of age. Christinedarling104@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Very interesting....pls can I be trained....fo u run any programme for training?my email....allison4all@gmail.com.

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  12. I need help getting started. Please email me at jenibavon@gmail.com

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  13. Could you email me at dgbarber04@gmail.com. My husband is a veteran and we are looking to speak with ranchers about start a small-medium scale project.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a nice blog with useful information. I would be thankful if you share more information about livestock Agricultural scales .
    livestock Agricultural scales

    ReplyDelete

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