It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 6:03 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:28 pm 
Offline

Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 11:48 am
Posts: 62
Location: Kemp,Texas
I am considering raising my own meat but am a definite Rookie.

I have 5 acres, 4 acres of grass and was wondering if that was enough land and also how much hay would I need to supplement if any. I would only be raising 1 or 2 and would rotate the calf to different areas of my property. Would it be economical to do so? Alot of the reason I wish to do this is learning how but I want to do as good a job as I can.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:00 pm 
Offline

Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:07 pm
Posts: 3
Location: Farmersville,TEXAS
Russ,

I am no expert - hopefully someone else will comment too. I started out raising goats and will be getting a few calves this coming spring maybe sooner. I believe you could easily raise 2 calves on 5 acres. And I would suggest doing atleast 2 and not 1. Animals do much better when they have a companion and someone else to compete with for feed, etc. Also, you can have 1 butchered for your family and sell the other to pay for processing.

On the hay. When do you plan to get your calves? Now or spring. And how old - are you going to have to bottle feed (they need milk for atleast 4 weeks & then feed/grain) or are they already weened? Do you have some winter grass planted? A round bale of hay would last a long time for 2 calves but it is much more economical for the animals to forage on their own rather than baling or buying hay.

I would suggest buying or going to the library to check out "Backyard Livestock" book they go through raising chickens, pigs, goats, beef, etc. And the book does a pretty decent job taking you from the ground up. But I don't agree with everything. I'll have to go reread the beef section - it's been a while. I am considering buying a couple of dairy bull calves on the cheap. What breed are you looking into?

Let's us know how you do and if you find a good deal on some calves.

Thanks,
Shawn


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Calf
PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:01 am 
Offline

Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 6:00 pm
Posts: 219
Location: Hubbard,TEXAS
Russ, do you know what kind of grass you have?

Pat Akin


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:07 am 
Offline

Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2004 11:48 am
Posts: 62
Location: Kemp,Texas
swtucker thanks for the advice I'll definitely check it out

Pakin, I believe my grass is coastal bermuda.


Good Luck to all.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by eWeblife