Looking at cows and have some questions

[woodleighcreek]

I am considering cows for a 4-H project and my grandparents have some land around the state and I was wondering a couple things:

1. How much land does a cow need?
2. What are the best meat breeds?
3. What breeds are best for short people (like 5 feet)?
4. How long does it take for a calf to reach market size?

Thanks!

Eta: I am looking at highlands, dexters, limousin, gelbvieh, and shorthorn.

 

[Lothiriel]

1 cow per acre is the ratio. 1:1.
From the breeds you are looking at, for best meat breed and best for "short" people (I don't call it short... ), probably a Dexter or a Highland would be a good choice.

I have no idea how long it takes for a calf to reach market size.. I've never done a market calf.

Best of luck!

 

[woodleighcreek]

Thanks! I'm really liking the dexters. I hope someone can tell me how long it takes a cow to reach market size!

 

[zzGypsy]

I am considering cows for a 4-H project and my grandparents have some land around the state and I was wondering a couple things:

1. How much land does a cow need?
2. What are the best meat breeds?
3. What breeds are best for short people (like 5 feet)?
4. How long does it take for a calf to reach market size?

Thanks!

Eta: I am looking at highlands, dexters, limousin, gelbvieh, and shorthorn.

1) depends on the quality of your pasture and it can vary widely, could be more than 1 cow/calf pair per acre or more than 10 acres per cow/calf, depending. time of year, type of grass, age and size of the cow, if they're bred or lactating, all these things matter.

2) there are lots of meat breeds, charolais, angus, limousin are modern beef breeds. highlands are a heritage breed and produce a different kind of carcass. if you're going to be in 4H for competition, you might want to talk with your 4H coaches to see what they recomend. some breeds do better in one region due to type of pasture available, and what the 4H judges prefer to see, or are familiar with, might make a difference as well.

3) Highlands is a BIG cow, just not a tall one. dexters are smaller and shorter. I've seen very little kids - under 12 - showing full sized charolais and limousin, full grown steers and cows... if they're properly trained, it's not about size. if you're starting with a small calf, and train all along the way, you should have no problems. if you're starting with a larger animal, you might need help, no matter which breed you choose.

4) depends on the breed and the local market, as well as what you feed and quality of pasture. Highlands are slower growning than the modern beef breeds, so they're not full grown until 2 years. still some folks take them to market earlier, or put them on a high grain diet to get them to grow somewhat quicker and finish sooner. lots of folks take cows to market when they're not at slaughter weight... they raise them to a particular size and then sell them to someone else to finish. your 4H coaches can tell you what to expect to do for the program you're in.

one of the things to consider is horns - highlands are horned cattle and might not be eligble for 4H showing in your area - check that sort of thing out before you decide.

 

[greybeard]

And keep in mind that winter is almost here, and your pasture forage may be virtually non-existant after the 1st heavy frost or freeze (depending on what type grass is in the pasture)