Starting a small cattle herd

2 posts
Sat, 04/14/2012 - 12:13 #1

Member for

13 years 1 month
katiepooch
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/01/2011 - 10:46

Starting a small cattle herd

I have purchased an additional 6.5 acres of land with 5 acres of good pasture and 1.5 acres of light bush and a dam. The house and sheds are on another acre or so. Could give me an idea of how many full size cattle and small cattle I could run? I currently run two poll hereford heifers for meat. I would like to start and get into something a bit more specialized such as Belted Galloways? What is the best way to start a small cattle herd?

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Sat, 04/14/2012 - 12:22 #2
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

The number of cattle that you will be able to run will depend on the rainfall, soil type, and pasture species. A general rule of thumb is that you can run one minature breeding cow per hectare or 2.5 acres and one full size cow per 1.5-2ha or 4-5 acres. That would be based on improved pasture species, that are fertilised and rotationally grazed (grazed and then rested). At this stocking rate you will still require fodder supplement (hay or silage) at times of the year when there is no rain or when there is minimal pasture growth like winter.

There are a number of ways you can start your herd, these include:

  • Buying pregnant females in calf. 
  • Buying a cow/heifer and a bull, in some areas smaller farmers have pooled their money together to buy a bull, or you may be able to lease one from a neighbour.
  • Buying a cow/heifer and doing AI (Artificial Insemination), this is a good method if you do not wish to own a bull, however can be expense and is not always 100% successful. 

There are a large number of small cattle breeds, the Belted Galloways are based on Scottish genetics and are a productive and versatile breed. The Australian Lowline breed is also popular, it was based on the Angus breed and started on a research station in central New South Wales. Further information on small cattle breeds can be found in the book Smalll Cattle for Small Farms.

If you have your heart set on one particular breed, I would contact that particular breed society (Australian Galloway) and they may be able to put you in contact with a quality stud or commercial breeders in your local area that have females for sale.

Charlie

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