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On Bovines...
May. 7th, 2007 12:36 pmSo, there are different worlds in the cow world, much like in any other sphere of influence.
Then there are cattle auctions, where any Dick or Harry with a backyard operation bring whatever they don't want/can't afford to feed to offload to people who are looking for an adverage grade cow.
Just like dogs, or cats, or horses, or chickens even, there are cow shows, where people bring the cream of the breed to show off, compete for breed standard prizes, and sell/trade to better their blood stock.
Adverage heifer price: $1,500. Adverage bull price: $2,100.
This past weekend was not Every Dick and Harry. It was some of the most highly sought bloodstock in New England. Beautiful dainty heifers with big brown eyes and fluffy conditioned ears and hoof-polished toes. Giant mountians of Bull, rippling polished masses of muscle, being lead about the ring by cute women.
HorseChaser pointed out that the large shiny brass ring through their noses might have had something to do with their docile nature.
It was interesting. It wasn't as educational as we'd hoped, and it wasn't as productive as I'd envisioned, but it was a good time.
At this point some, some more decisions have to be made. Do we go the way of the grade meat, or the "bred" meat? Do we attempt to start a breeding program, or do we go the way of the "raise it and sell it"?
All questions that must be addressed. Both have pros and cons. Dad's quick to say that if you could get rich doing it, everyone would be. I try to remain optomistic.
I'm going home next weekend again. Mostly because it's Mother's day, but partly because we're going to start emptying the barns.
2 solid generations worth of pack-ratted accumulation. Wish me luck, (and hope my tetinus shots are up to date.)
- K.
Then there are cattle auctions, where any Dick or Harry with a backyard operation bring whatever they don't want/can't afford to feed to offload to people who are looking for an adverage grade cow.
Just like dogs, or cats, or horses, or chickens even, there are cow shows, where people bring the cream of the breed to show off, compete for breed standard prizes, and sell/trade to better their blood stock.
Adverage heifer price: $1,500. Adverage bull price: $2,100.
This past weekend was not Every Dick and Harry. It was some of the most highly sought bloodstock in New England. Beautiful dainty heifers with big brown eyes and fluffy conditioned ears and hoof-polished toes. Giant mountians of Bull, rippling polished masses of muscle, being lead about the ring by cute women.
HorseChaser pointed out that the large shiny brass ring through their noses might have had something to do with their docile nature.
It was interesting. It wasn't as educational as we'd hoped, and it wasn't as productive as I'd envisioned, but it was a good time.
At this point some, some more decisions have to be made. Do we go the way of the grade meat, or the "bred" meat? Do we attempt to start a breeding program, or do we go the way of the "raise it and sell it"?
All questions that must be addressed. Both have pros and cons. Dad's quick to say that if you could get rich doing it, everyone would be. I try to remain optomistic.
I'm going home next weekend again. Mostly because it's Mother's day, but partly because we're going to start emptying the barns.
2 solid generations worth of pack-ratted accumulation. Wish me luck, (and hope my tetinus shots are up to date.)
- K.
