Cattle options

[Ben]

I am looking for inputs of sectors in the cattle business. In your opinion, would it be better for a beginning farmer to start out with cows and aim for a cow calf enterprise or to purchase stockers to run on grass. I am a 26 year old diesel mechanic. Several years ago I made an attempt to start out in the dairy business. I obtained a loan with Farm Credit and purchased 15 Holsteins. When the farm that I worked on and kept the cows on sold out, I had to sell also for lack of having a place to keep and milk my cows. I am wanting to try a go at farming again, with the long range goal of. Ring able to farm full time. I am just looking at suggestions for entering the cattle business.

[Rick Houston]

Ben,Glad to hear you are interested in the cattle business.The great thing about cattle is the number of options you have.alot depends on the amount of land that you have access to and your work schedule if you work a job off the farm.I have always worked a rotating shift where I change shifts every week. That has worked well for my cow calf operation. I have always kept a low birthweight bull since i am away from the farm so much. I started with 4 heifers in 1979.I now run about 100. I have always had the same long range plan as you and hope to start farming full time next year.If there is any way I can help feel free to contact me. Good Luck to you...Rick

[Ben]

Rick, your response is much appreciated. What do you do for pasture, own or rent? How did you aquire your first piece of ground? Do you out up your own hay? Where are you located?

[Rick Houston]

Ben,I run cattle in central Arkansas.I have always rented ground,even after I purchased some.I rented 60 acres to put those first four heifers on.I could pasture and cut enough hay.The following year 100 more acres came up and I rented it.Which we now own.Over the years we have accumulated 220 acres that we own and we currently rent another 300.I have always had in mind to raise cattle fulltime and have been working toward that.We now bale our own hay.Some years we end the year with a hay surplus but the last 2 we have barely made it.So leasing the extra land has helped. We aquired our first property by owner financing.The last we used a bank.

[Ben]

How do you find pasture to rent, or how did you find your first 60 acres?

[Justin Watkins]

Hey Ben, I too am glad to hear that you are interested in farming! I am 30 years old and a Fireman, so I am gone every third day from home and have been in the cattle business for 3 years now. I began by buying pairs, I found that by buying pairs you had an immediate return on your investment. You dont have to worry about calving that first set of calves, all you have to do is keep them healthy. I gave about 950 per pair and recouped 600 per calf my first year, with prices being up you can still pull this off. As far as leasing ground, you seek out older farmer/ranchers or land owners that you can build a relationship with and show that you have a strong work ethic.  These people appreciate hard work and a man that keeps his word, remember a good name is hard to get but a bad name comes easy. Above and beyond everything else be finacially wise, DO NOT overextend your self buy what you can afford and leave yourself some room to manuver if something was to happen...EXAMPLE (DROUGHT) you need money to get past the hard times. This is not the gospel but it has worked for me. Buy what you need only when you need it, my grandpa used to tell me..Son, if you always worry about the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves!!  This is very true, always scrutinize every expense. I hope this helps, no one gave me any insight when I started and here in Northwestern Arkansas we got hit hard by the drought and but were gonna make it with faith in god and a watchful eye!! Good luck, hope you make a million!!

[Rick Houston]

Ben, I noticed the place wasnt being used and contacted the owner.It was in a small community and I inquired at the country store to find the owner.Take Care...Rick