Cattle farming

5 posts
Tue, 08/28/2012 - 17:03 #1

Member for

12 years 3 months
shelanda
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 08/27/2012 - 18:27

Cattle farming

Hi, we are Shelanda and Barbara and we are about to start a cattle farm for our first time. People might think we are crazy but we are very serious about it and very excited. We are moving onto 800 acres and we want to put cattle on it.  At first we were thinking about buying a few calves and learning a little from that... we have done lots of reading but would love to hear from people with any ideas or any information that could help us along the way.

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Wed, 08/29/2012 - 15:28 #2
katiepooch
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/01/2011 - 10:46

Hi Shelanda & Barbara,

An exciting time for you both, where is your farm located?

I haven't been farming cattle for long and am by no means an expert, but I think your idea of starting off with some calves is a good one. Small cattle can be handled in the paddock or yards without the risk of serious injury. This will enable you to get your confidence up before you move onto larger cattle.

My advice would be to start small, listen to the locals and beware of smooth talking agents.

Mary

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Fri, 08/31/2012 - 10:06 #3
margohayes
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/16/2011 - 09:19

I have a book written that is published by CSIRO called 'Small Cattle for Small Farms' and covers all the basics about starting up and the options available. The book answers questions from others starting up as well in similar situtations to yourself. My advice is start off small and before you purchase decide what you intend to do with the progeny and what markets you are targeting. Will you be stud or commercial? Decisions such as these will affect lots of management decisions such as age to sell, where to sell, target weights etc. 

Regards

 

Margo

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Mon, 09/03/2012 - 10:25 #4
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

Hi Shelanda and Barbara,

Welcome to Farmstyle. I'm sure you will find plenty of helpful advice from our friendly farming experts and members who have been there and done it.

Have you considered doing some cattle work experience with a local farmer? Learning from someone who is experienced and been doing it for a number of years would be an excellent way to learn, especially something practical like cattle handling.

Margo's book 'Small cattle for small farms' is an excellent resource for someone starting out in cattle farming.  

Regards,

Charlie

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Tue, 09/04/2012 - 13:02 #5
Kimsl70
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/03/2011 - 02:26

Hi Shelanda and Barbara, congratulations on the deciding to run some cattle. I just wanted to say that Margo Hayes book, is a great resource. It's an easy read, not written in jargon you won't understand and i found it really helpful. Good luck with your endeavours.

Cheers
Kim

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