Training a calf for sale

[BeardedChick]

Hi - if I want to sell my calf possibly to a 4H or family home, what should I be teaching it now? It's trained to halter and tie, I haven't done much leading with it yet. It has been touched all over and had it's feet picked up.

What else should a family 'dream calf' know?

What would a really nice registered calf like this reasonably sell for? We paid $600 for yearling unhandled Dexters and it was a good deal in the Dexter market... I wondered it's reasonable to ask around $600 for this calf as a weanling heifer.

Would there be a chance of me finding a 4H home to show her for me or how would that work??

Of course, we might end up keeping her and I will be glad to have the training on her even if she's just a pasture puff.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I'd say your doing good. Start leading her now while small it's easier on you.

As for price, that varies greatly on where you are at. Look at the ag papers and local sale barns and see if you can find any Dexters for sale in your area. Your local ag agent might have an idea too.

If you would like to keep her but, have her shown by a 4H or FFA member contact your local chapters and inquire if there would be anyone interested. Unless you know the person who would be showing her, I would be inclined to say, keep her home. They may want to house her at their place but, how do you know she will receive proper care there? At least until you get to know the individual who would be responsible for her and you're satisfied that she would be okay.

 

[BeardedChick]

I'd say your doing good. Start leading her now while small it's easier on you.

I will start leading her. Little brat is going to pitch a fit!

If you would like to keep her but, have her shown by a 4H or FFA member contact your local chapters and inquire if there would be anyone interested. Unless you know the person who would be showing her, I would be inclined to say, keep her home. They may want to house her at their place but, how do you know she will receive proper care there? At least until you get to know the individual who would be responsible for her and you're satisfied that she would be okay.

Good plan. I could show her myself, I suppose. I've shown horses and dogs a few times, but never calves.

I just remembered, the bad thing about her is she is line bred - her mother's sire is her sire.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I just remembered, the bad thing about her is she is line bred - her mother's sire is her sire.

That could be a down fall in showing her.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I'd say your doing good. Start leading her now while small it's easier on you.

I will start leading her. Little brat is going to pitch a fit!

If she fights to much, hook her on behind a 4 wheeler or tractor and put it in low gear. Watch her close but, she will learn it's to much work to fight it and walk. Then you can work on walking her by hand.

 

[BeardedChick]

I just remembered, the bad thing about her is she is line bred - her mother's sire is her sire.

That could be a down fall in showing her.

Is it penalized?

ETA: it is another reason I'd like to sell her.

 

[BeardedChick]

I'd say your doing good. Start leading her now while small it's easier on you.

I will start leading her. Little brat is going to pitch a fit!

If she fights to much, hook her on behind a 4 wheeler or tractor and put it in low gear. Watch her close but, she will learn it's to much work to fight it and walk. Then you can work on walking her by hand.

She's still small enough to drag around.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I just remembered, the bad thing about her is she is line bred - her mother's sire is her sire.

That could be a down fall in showing her.

Is it penalized?

ETA: it is another reason I'd like to sell her.

I'm not sure about penalized. I do know they ask about the pedigree. I also know line breeding is generally frowned upon for cattle-at least dairy and I don't know why it would be different for beef or dual purpose. Your local 4H or FFA group should be able to point you in the direction of someone who would know.

 

[BeardedChick]

I will start leading her. Little brat is going to pitch a fit!

If she fights to much, hook her on behind a 4 wheeler or tractor and put it in low gear. Watch her close but, she will learn it's to much work to fight it and walk. Then you can work on walking her by hand.

She's still small enough to drag around.

Ok, DH and I drug her around for about half and hour. Next time: the ATV is doing the pulling.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

If she fights to much, hook her on behind a 4 wheeler or tractor and put it in low gear. Watch her close but, she will learn it's to much work to fight it and walk. Then you can work on walking her by hand.

She's still small enough to drag around.

Ok, DH and I drug her around for about half and hour. Next time: the ATV is doing the pulling.

They can be stubborn and they have great breaks!