One Fine Acre - 2023 4H Steer Project Update

[OneFineAcre]

Well ultimately, it's not my decision or problem.

I wouldn't offer him much. I don't think that his previous years yields are relevant. The average yield this year is way down. A little research has already been done in that regard. Price is way down too. But, I think the government is paying some kind of subsidy on soybeans because of the tariffs
After 2 hurricanes there weren't many beans in the field for the cows to eat. He's just asking about it now and the beans should have been picked by late Oct ? He probably should have impounded them when he had the chance.

 

[OneFineAcre]

@Goat Whisperer I got an message a couple of days ago. OFA Gallant is at a new farm in Maryland. "Shine On Farm".

 

[greybeard]

I don't think that his previous years yields are relevant. The average yield this year is way down.

The reason I said last years yield, is because that is how USDA mandates the insurers to do it. The policy is written before harvest, (depending which kind of policy is purchased) and they have to have something with which to form a basis upon, and they assume this year's yield and prices will be close to last year's.

Yes, the price is down because certain foreign countries aren't buying as much because of increased tariffs.
Friday's spot price for soybeans was $8.75/bushel.
One year ago, Dec 30, 2017, it was $9.30/bushel.
(Lots of times tho, beans are just held at the bin and sold on contract later and not on spot price day of delivery to the bin)

Regardless, it is best to get it resolved outside of a civil case courtroom. If it comes to litigation, the guy is going to bring up the fact that had the weather not been bad, the cattle would still have been in there on his property.

Most states recognize that any fence can fail at any time for any reason and the usual terms brought up, are that no one may "willfully or knowingly" allow livestock to run free. Obviously, the livestock owner did not willfully allow the stock to escape......it happened because the gates were stolen and the charger was stolen, but from the moment that loss was discovered, then it becomes both the legal and ethical responsibility of the livestock owner to rectify the situation. That's why I asked when the theft occurred.
If it was just yesterday, or within a few days ago, then it's reasonable to not expect the fences to yet be made whole, but if it was weeks ago (or longer) then the stock owner is far closer to being in violation of the state statutes.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

@Goat Whisperer I got an message a couple of days ago. OFA Gallant is at a new farm in Maryland. "Shine On Farm".

How old is he again? Too young to have fresh daughters if I remember right.

I will never understand why so many people flip bucks so quickly, especially when you (they) are trying to build a herd, or “name”.

I like keeping them around. See what they produce. Repeat breedings. See fresh daughters. See what your animals are doing.

Guess I’m different

 

[Goat Whisperer]

BTW, I think I said this before, but I think it’s really awesome you you and Maurine are doing for your FIL.

 

[OneFineAcre]

The person who got him contacted me. She told me that she "persuaded" the lady who had Gallant to sell him to her. Said she was a big fan of Zamia. The lady who had him just had a baby. I'm not really surprised. She used him pretty heavy last fall and some more this fall. Its all good as far as I'm concerned. They both show and do performance testing.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

That’s good.

 

[Mini Horses]

I like keeping them around. See what they produce. Repeat breedings. See fresh daughters. See what your animals are doing.

Guess I’m different

Not alone...I do too. Of course, goats can show you quicker because their gestation and growth are much faster than my herds of horses & donkeys were REALLY nice! You can see 2nd yr offspring within 2 yrs with them, unlike 4-5+ yrs for equine.

One of the most difficult issues with small herds is keeping the diversity since fewer animals to breed, then you have to consider having multi bucks -- or better yet, another whom you can "share" bucks with. This year my older buck only got one doe...new guy is (hopefully) giving me doelings to raise for eventual to crossbreed.

Worse yet, I am considering adding some strictly meat animals -- separate herd. But, I will likely cross a good Boer buck with some of my dairy does who have had several kiddings already (large, full sized does). Farm income after freshening is goal. Anyway, more bucks being kept

PLUS -- once they've done a good job, I tend to keep them once they age out. I have a 36 y/o stally here... He's a good boy! Haven't bred minis is over 15 yrs. Can't send him to "unknown" & he's beyond breeding useful. Buried another 35 y/old last year -- that broke my heart. We took care of each other, over many years. Lot of great foals.

 

[OneFineAcre]

One of the most difficult issues with small herds is keeping the diversity since fewer animals to breed, then you have to consider having multi bucks --

There's AI.

 

[OneFineAcre]

Smoked my last cigarette 4 months ago today