Farmer Wanna Be

[WildRoseBeef]

Hey Kitty, was that 1 to 1.5 acres/animal on a per month basis? (Sorry, a little forgetful today.)

Reason I ask is because Soybean'll have to look for more than 5 acres to raise all those animals, plus a couple cows. Soybean, unless you buy hay (which I am sure you will do), having a couple cows on 5 acres will go pretty fast, especially if you end up with a dry year. On a wet year where theres plenty of grass to go around, not so much. Now, with goats and other animals, I would suggest maybe a few acres more than 5...more like 10. This way you could have extra land if the cows don't get along with the goats or you want to try your hand at doing a little haying.

But of course, it's just a suggestion. As for the type of cows to go with, Jersey is alright for milk, but those dual-purpose breeds like Dexter or Red Poll might be another to consider for having milk and meat on your table.

Good luck with your endeavours.

The general rule of thumb is 1-1.5acre per animal for grazing then another 1-1.5 for harvesting hay for winter feeding. The reason I ask where you are from is, your location can very this significantly. If your land is dry or doesn't have good growth of the right forage you will need more.

I know you said that, but you didn't clarify whether it was #acres/animal (or AU)/month or #acres/AU/day for either hay or grazing.

 

[jhm47]

It all depends on your location. For instance, here in South Dakota, some places can run a cow/calf unit on 3 acres. In the western part of the state, there are places where they need 25 acres / unit. The land is basically priced in proportion to it's carrying capacity, so the investment is about the same.

One thing to remember---however much land you buy will not be enough. And---when you decide it's time to sell the land, it will be worth more. They just aren't making land any longer, so it's in limited supply.

 

[WildRoseBeef]

It all depends on your location. For instance, here in South Dakota, some places can run a cow/calf unit on 3 acres. In the western part of the state, there are places where they need 25 acres / unit. The land is basically priced in proportion to it's carrying capacity, so the investment is about the same.

One thing to remember---however much land you buy will not be enough. And---when you decide it's time to sell the land, it will be worth more. They just aren't making land any longer, so it's in limited supply.

That's right, because what if you got expansion on your mind? It's better to get more than what you plan on than less.

And lets face it: the only time that you're going to get a piece of land is if there's a farmer that can't look after the land anymore and needs someone else to care for it for him...lets hope not another realistate developer.

Sorry for hijacking your post Soybean.

 

[wynedot55]

i think youll want to buy 20 or 25acs to start your farm on.that way youll have some extra room.an you wont be limited as to what you can do.

 

[Soybean]

But where can you find 20 acres that won't put you in the poor house trying to buy it? I know that land is more affordable out in the country, away from cities, but then how is job security? I still have to work until my husband completes school to become a doctor (another 7 years).

 

[Farmer Kitty]

But where can you find 20 acres that won't put you in the poor house trying to buy it? I know that land is more affordable out in the country, away from cities, but then how is job security? I still have to work until my husband completes school to become a doctor (another 7 years).

You just need to be willing to drive. We have a half hour to 45 minute drive to the bigger towns around here. Our little town (~850)is only about 15-20 minutes away.

 

[Soybean]

I wouldn't mind a small commute. I just told my husband yesterday we would need 5-10 acres. Now I'm going to tell him "No, honey. Now we need 20 acres." You guys better not suggest anymore or you guys are going to get me in trouble. Hahaha. Any excuse to have a bigger farm. "But they said it would be better if we went bigger! They are farm people, they should know!."

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I could tell you get more land real easy. You know you can always rent out the extra until you need it or grow a crop to sell!

It doesn't matter how many acres you want your finances are going to dictate what you can get. My advice is go with what you can afford and make your animal plans around that. If you can afford more than what you will need then plan some extra acreage.

 

[Soybean]

Right now, if we didn't have our apartment (we are trying to get out of the lease which we still have 8 months on), we could probably afford a few acres with a very small home on it, but we still have to save up the down payment.

Thanks for all the info. Now, do cows need shelter during the winter months?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Yes, they need shelter. Nothing fancy, a leanto works real well. If you're going to be milking you will need to take into consideration your milking setup too. That could be a spot inside the leanto or a connected room that is enclosed to offer you more shelter from the weather(and maybe even a heater). It will need to be someplace that you can keep the milk clean.