Popular Cattle Breeds for Crossbreeding

In the pursuit of the perfect beef, cattle producers have crossed certain cattle breeds to produce offspring that might inherit distinct advantages from their diverse genetic lines. While the specific pairing that leads to the perfect beef has yet to be found, crossbreeding has brought forth many desirable new cattle breeds into the world, with some even becoming mainstays in the US beef industry.

Crossbreeding is a science. Scientists have different ways of calculating the type of calf that is likely to result from pairing up different breeds.

Angus

It would make sense to start with the reigning king of beef Angus cattle are known for their incredible efficiency or the ability to turn what it eats into meat. In addition, the marbling of Angus beef is nearly perfect.

Charolais

Charolais is often used to crossbreed beef cattle because the breed is known for yielding the highest percentage of sellable cuts of beef. In addition, Charolais are known for high growth rates and calving rates.

Gelbvieh

The Gelbvieh breed is often used for crossbreeding because of its stellar growth rate, amazing fertility, and its calving ease. In addition, the birth weight of Gelbvieh calves are among the heaviest in the industry.

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Beginner’s Guide to Popular Beef Cattle Breeds

If news reports from the last few months are to be believed, then global demand for US beef will soon surge. Seeing as the US beef industry is likely to see a boom in profits, many investors are looking to purchase ranches for sale and starting their own beef cattle operations.

Sadly, not all cattle breeds are created equal. Certain breeds are better suited for beef production than others. For the benefit of beginner beef cattle ranchers, here are some of the most popular cattle breeds:

Angus

Angus is highly regarded in the beef industry for having the best quality meat by virtue of its incredible graze-to-weight ratio and superior marbling. Angus beef consequently commands high prices, both locally and abroad.

Gelbvieh

Gelbvieh cattle are popular because of their stellar growth rate, which allows beef ranchers to sell the meat within a shorter time. Gelbvieh also possess great fertility and superior calving ease, so any cattle ranch that raises Gelbvieh cattle will always have cows for the following season.

Hereford

Herefords are known for their docile and low-maintenance nature as well as high-quality meat. In addition, Herefords are known for yielding great offspring, especially when cross-breeding. Many beef ranchers like to cross-breed Herefords with other cattle types in an effort to create superior-quality meat.

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Choosing the Best Cattle Breed for Your Ranch

It’s no secret that Americans love their steak, which explains why there’s such a huge market for beef production in the country. If you recently bought a ranch with the intention of raising cattle, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is which breed to choose. While cattle is generally low maintenance, the proper breed will boost the profitability of your ranch. Here are a few tips to remember:

Consider Your Ranch’s Environment

Different breeds are suited to specific temperatures and terrain, so make sure to choose one that will thrive in your ranch’s environment. If your ranch experiences cold winters, breeds like the Beefalo would be suitable.

Choose a “Multi-purpose” Breed

Waiting for a cow to give birth and raising the calf to maturity is time consuming, so you won’t be seeing a return on investment for some time. Thankfully, dual-purpose breeds like the Brown Swiss and Shorthorn can make suitable choices. The cows can be used for milk production, while the young can be raised for beef production.

Go for Breeds with Low Calving Difficulty

The easier your cow gives birth, the less likely you’ll lose the mother, the calf, or both during birthing. As such, you may want to choose cattle breeds that are known to have “low calving difficulty” to minimize risk and maximize carcass yield.

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Plants That Can Ruin a Newly Bought Cattle Ranch

If you are looking at ranches for sale (or if you have already bought one), there is a good chance that you are considering establishing a cattle raising operation. In fact, you might have already decided which breed of cattle you will use and where to sell the beef. However, have you made sure that your ranch land is safe for your cattle?

There many plants that are poisonous to cattle that can be growing on your land. These plants present a danger to your cattle, especially if you plan on letting them graze naturally. Here are two common plants that should be removed from grazing areas:

Wild Cherries

People typically do not have to worry about cherries. However, cattle ranchers should remove any wild cherry fruits and plants because their leaves and seeds are poisonous to cattle.

Buttercups

You may use buttercups as ornamental flowers, but you must keep them away from your cattle. All parts of the buttercup plant are poisonous to cattle, as well as to goats and horses.

Be sure to study which plants commonly grow in the state your ranch is located to help you determine which of these you should look out for when letting your cattle graze. Additionally, designate one of your ranch hands to regularly survey the grazing land in case more of these poisonous plants appear. 

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What You Can Do with Ranch Land for Sale

It is no secret that purchasing real estate is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. However, many people do not realize that investing in ranch land in Utah goes beyond tucking the land away and selling it later once the property has appreciated.

Purchasing ranch land for the sake of establishing a ranch seems like an obvious thing to do, but not many investors buy ranch land for that purpose. After all, they had already spent a good amount of money on the property and establishing a ranching operation requires a large amount of capital. What many investors do not realize, though, is that ranching can become a highly lucrative business.

One ranching operation option is to start a beef ranch, where you can raise cattle for their meat. Considering many European countries have reopened beef trade relations with the US, starting a beef ranch may be a very profitable choice.

Another option that takes advantage of current market conditions is to start a cattle breeding ranch. With more cattle set to be sold for beef, many beef ranches will have to turn to cattle breeding operations to replenish their supply.

A ranching operation is a profitable business, regardless of the type of ranch you choose to establish. If you have yet to purchase a Utah ranch for sale, be sure to choose land that best suits the needs of your preferred ranching operation.

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Ranch Buying: Components of a Good Business Plan

Any successful ranch owner will tell you that a sound business plan is one of the most important considerations in finding the perfect ranch to buy. Purchasing a ranch requires a huge investment, so having a well-developed business plan that clearly identifies your goals is a must. This, then begs the question: What consists a good business plan for ranch purchasers?

A good business plan must contain, among other things, the mission and vision for the business venture, production capabilities, production goals, estimated operational expenses, necessary ranch amenities, and projected income and profits. The plan must also include a list of necessary equipment, structures, facilities, and personnel. Once a plan has been finalized, it must then be compared with evaluations of ranches for sale to determine which acreage can meet expectations.

If expectations are not met, the results of the comparison can be used to identify the properties that come close. The buyer may then proceed to estimate the cost of the renovations and improvements needed to achieve production goals, which in turn will help him establish the true value of each available property.

A buyer should never finalize a ranch property purchase until he has completed a thorough evaluation of its production potential. A good business plan enables him to do so.

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Tips for Farming Success: Avoid Debt

The world needs food and smart people to grow it, so if you’re seriously considering farming as a career, one thing you should avoid like the plague is debt. Why? In the last fifty years, debt has caused more farms to close than drought, pestilence, and any other acts of nature combined. If there’s one thing the recent global economic meltdown can teach you, it’s that debt can be utterly debilitating. Farmers in large numbers have abandoned their ranches simply because they didn’t have the money to pay the bank when it came a-calling.

This is not saying that debt is wrong. In fact, it offers plenty of advantages. For one thing, it allows people to reach their goals quickly. However, while borrowed money may get you that tractor or new barn your farm will eventually need, experience—the most valuable asset of all—cannot be purchased. Farming is fraught with challenges and uncertainties at every corner, and without any experience in debt, you could be financially handcuffing yourself right from the start.

Debt offers plenty of opportunities for growing a business. The trick is to know when to use it. As your farming experience grows, these opportunities will become much clearer. In the meantime, however, it is imperative that you avoid debt as much as possible.

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Four Tips for Successful Planting

You’re about to purchase your very own ranch and you’re busy thinking of what to plant for a lush bounty of good eats this summer. However, before you decide WHAT you’re going to plant, decide first WHEN you’re going to plant. For novice and seasoned farmers alike, here are a few good tips for starting your garden:

Understand the climate.

Local weather affects the outcome of your crops significantly, so do some research about what the climate is in your area before planting. Visit a local farmer’s market and talk to someone who knows the optimal climate for the flora you plan to grow.

Know the germination period.

Germination periods vary from plant to plant. Seeds that take a while to germinate may require more time in a greenhouse before they’re transferred outside. Germination info is often found on the package of the seeds, but if you can’t find it, the kind folks at the local garden shop may be able to help you.

Water the plants regularly.

Plants need water at least once every day. During hot spells, plants may need to be watered twice or thrice to keep them hydrated. Keep the soil moist. Make sure the moisture is not too little and not too much.

Consult a professional.

It is important to consult a horticulturist or other garden professionals when disease or pests appear. The horticulturist will also be a great source of tips and tricks that will help you flesh out your planting tactics.

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The First Step in Starting a Chicken Farm Business

It’s one thing to start a chicken farm, but to make a business out of it—especially one that thrives—is something else entirely. You won’t only be playing the role of a chicken farmer, but of a businessperson as well. So before you purchase a ranch for your plans, you need to identify the chicken market you want to target and the area of the chicken industry you want to tap.

There are two main sectors in the industry: layers and broilers. Layers are chickens that are raised specifically to produce eggs, while broilers are chickens that are raised and bred for slaughter. Whichever type of chicken you choose to grow, know that you have plenty of financial and managerial decisions to make to ensure your chicken farm business becomes a profitable one.

As it is with any type of business, the first step in starting a chicken farm business is to formulate a business plan. Doing so will help you set goals you want to achieve with your chicken farm and how to achieve them. Creating a business plan will also teach you how to operate your farm not only from a producer’s perspective, but from a banker’s, a broker’s, a lawyer’s, an accountant’s and possibly an employee’s points of view as well. That said, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of professionals in poultry farming and ranch enterprises for a more informed business decision.

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The Basics of Horse Care

There's no better way of getting around your own ranch than with a good horse. The great advantages horses offer a rancher are, of course, accompanied by serious responsibilities in looking after these steeds. That said, here are three basics on taking care of horses.

Food

Feeding horses is actually a bit more complicated than just giving the animal some hay. For example, it's advisable to add a bit of grain to horses' diet to make sure that they get all the nutrition they need. Mold is also a major factor as it could cause serious lung problems for the horse. Long story short: do your research on horse diet first.

Shelter

Two of the most common choices for horse shelters are run-in shelters and stables. Each has its own pros and cons, so it is good to deliberate carefully on which option is best in your case. An example: stables provide complete shelter from the elements, but run-shelters are less susceptible to fire.

Healthcare

As with any other pet or domesticated animal, horses have their own share of health issues. As the owner, you must know at least a few of the veterinary basics, such as checking vital signs, deworming, and spotting the signs of an unhealthy horse.

You cannot get the full experience of owning a ranch without a healthy horse. Thus, if you're planning on buying a ranch soon, better start on the basics of horse care now.

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Cattle Farming Is a Rewarding Experience

Food production always has a lot of potential to be a lucrative business as the demand for the product is always inelastic. People with ample land and resources are encouraged to delve into farming, not only because of the income potential, but for the invaluable role the agricultural sector plays for the rest of society.

With so much to learn and do, ranching is generally a highly engaging activity. While many of the basic principles of herding developed by ancient civilizations still apply, modern livestock breeding and raising involves a great deal of science that resulted from millennia of research and discovery. At the same time, the industry is always mindful of the impact agricultural activity has on the ecosystem, and strives to be as “green” as possible in all its processes.

Land that is not ideally suited for cash crops is often maintained as grassland for cattle farming. To succeed in the business, however, one must, from the very beginning, bear in mind that undertaking such endeavor is no small feat. Although cattle raising does not look as labor intensive as growing crops, certain rigorous tasks are involved; and it's going to take some time before one can reap the benefits of this hard work.

Most ranchers focus on a specific type of cattle farming. Some raise beef cattle while others might want to put all efforts towards producing dairy products, or even just breeding. Regardless of the specificity of the path one cattle farmer wishes to take, investing in cattle is bound to be profitable in the long run as the demand for cattle products will surely continue to rise.

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Ranch

While most people find purchasing a condo or a house rather overwhelming; imagine the stress involved when you're looking to purchase a ranch. While the prospect of owning a self-sustaining residence and business is appealing, there are a few things to consider when buying a ranch. As such, here are a few reminders for potential ranch buyers:

Ranches are very big, very expensive investments. As such, always have a budget ready before purchasing a ranch, and stick to that budget. Aside from the cost of the ranch itself, you may need to purchase livestock or necessary equipment separately. Don't spend your entire budget on just the ranch!

Do your research beforehand. Try to determine the type of soil the ranch has, the frequency of precipitation, etc. Many crops and certain livestock require very particular conditions to grow properly. Knowing these things early allows you to plan ahead on what kind of ranch or farm you can build.

Although there are tax savings when owning a ranch, some people overestimate these tax savings, and overspend in other areas. Always review your plans with an expert in agricultural taxes to be able to plan better.

Ranches are highly profitable if a system is well-planned and properly executed. As such, always be mindful of expenses and your budget, especially if you aim to make the ranch your only source of income. Remember that you pay bills on a regular basis, but sales typically only come twice or thrice a year.

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Questions to Ask Before Buying a Ranch

The thought of spending days riding horses over expansive landscapes is so appealing that many city folks are willing to vacate their suburban homes just to experience rural living. With many ranches awaiting their prospective occupants, it shouldn't be difficult to turn such a dream into a reality. Before you decide to buy your own ranch, however, you'll need to ask yourself several questions:

What is the ranch's purpose?

Are you planning to set up a working ranch, a private ranch, or a dude ranch? If you're thinking of establishing a working ranch to raise livestock such as cattle, sheep, elk, or bison, then you should consider purchasing ranch properties that are large enough to support herds of animals. If you want to purchase a private ranch for your family, then you should consider smaller, more intimate ranch properties.

Should the ranch home be renovated?

If the ranch comes with a house, assess the ranch home to determine if it needs to be renovated. If the ranch home is rundown, you may need to renovate structural components such as roofs and walls, and update fixtures for gas and plumbing. You may also need to consider modern upgrades, such as Wi-Fi and cable.

How about property taxes?

Aside from paying for the ranch, you'll have to deal with the property tax. Property tax on real estate is usually levied at a municipal or county level. Know the rules surrounding this matter beforehand so that you can adjust your budget accordingly.

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Investing in Dude Ranches

If you've invested in a ranch, you'd certainly want to see sizable returns on your investment. This means transforming the place into a wonderful dude ranch. However, depending on the ranch's overall condition at the time of purchase, it may take some time to transform the ranch into a suitable income generator. Dude ranches are split into a few broad categories:

Basic Dude Ranches

The basic dude ranch will be geared towards horseback riding activities. Ranch personnel can train guests on the finer details of riding and taking care of horses. Just like the cowboys of the Old West, you can also learn a thing or two about throwing lassos.

Resort Dude Ranches

Resort dude ranches will require upgrading the house with hotel-style amenities, and the management will organize activities for the guests, some of which will be relevant to the region.

Working Dude Ranches

Working dude ranches, as the name implies, will have much labor awaiting intrepid guests as a prerequisite to their stay. Guests are often engaged in herding livestock. If you are looking for horseback riding excursions, the ranch management will limit them to work-related activities.

Identifying the dude ranch that fits your preferences can help stretch the value of your investment. It is also a test of your people and financial skills.

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Financing a Ranch in Oregon

Investing in a ranch requires a lot of money. When you're considering a modestly sized house, utilities, a barn, and potentially thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, the price alone could run anywhere between six and eight digits. That amount may not even factor in the property tax and closing costs, plus the upkeep for employees. Financing may be the way to go when you are looking to buy a farm but do not have enough cash on hand.

As with every other financial endeavor, a lender will first study your credit history to determine your ability to pay them back the loan. It is important to look for reputable lenders that specialize in transactions for the specific type of ranch land you want to buy. For example, lenders that exclusively do commercial farmland transactions may not entertain you if you want to buy private farm property.

Some private lenders, especially credit unions in the general area where your property is located, may have a full range of ranch financing services. However, they might have specific credit scores you must reach. At the same time, take note of the maximum number of acres they may be willing to help you finance. Taking out a loan for ranch property carries some advantages. All it takes is willpower and financial management to make the payments on time.

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Living in a Well-Managed Ranch Community

Many cities these days are getting more and more congested and the resulting pollution can sometimes be unbearable. Living in an urban area no longer holds the same appeal that it did years ago when city life was less stressful. Today, many people are looking for better lifestyle alternatives like transferring to suburbs or buying ranches for sale.

In the U.S., there are many such real estate properties especially in areas with wide open spaces and sparse population densities. A number of ranch real estate companies have developed vast tracts of land into highly efficient ranch style communities typical of the old West. In fact, many people have become attracted to buying real estate in these various rural areas.

The reasons behind this appeal are legion, foremost of which is the desire to escape from the urban jungle. Living in the suburbs is not enough for many, since most suburbs have become just as congested as the cities. A ranch community provides a drastic change in lifestyle; something which more and more people want to experience.

The good news is that these communities have been developed not only to allow residents to commune with nature, but to provide better quality of life in a managed ranch setting. Buying ranch real estate from a reliable developer will ensure a comfortable life on a ranch without any hassles.

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