Managing a Small Cattle Herd

There are many tricks to managing a small cattle herd, especially if you don't have a lot of land to work with. In this video I walk through how we manage 35 head of Dexter cattle throughout a typical year. This includes:
1. How much land is required per head to graze and provide hay
2. Our breeding schedule
3. How long it takes to grass finish beef going to the butcher
4. How we separate our 2 breeding bulls and make sure they are placed with the right cows to prevent inbreeding
5. The pros & cons of keeping bulls vs. artificial insemination
6. How we keep stable herd numbers via the selection of cull heifers
Note:
-We do not offer farm tours
-We do not ship our farm's products
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Пікірлер: 280

  • @idablythe4847
    @idablythe48473 жыл бұрын

    We just had to butcher our bull. He bred our 3 year old and our purchased heifer. They will have calves end of May and June. We also have a bull calf which we made into a steer. He will be our next butchered steer. We are in no hurry for meat because our bull gave us 963 pounds of meat. We also purchased a new bull that we get in August after he weaned. So now we will have 6 total. We are selling our 3 year old after she delivers and we fatten her up. We already have a buyer. We only have 5 acres of grass which we cut 3 times We get enough hay to winter cows over. We let them out on grass after last cutting. Then remove them when we start letting fields regrow. My brother and I grew up on a dairy farm in Illinois. We raise angus here in Colorado. We supplement all kinds of vegetables to feed cows thru summer. We sell produce at farmers markets and at house. No chemicals used on our farm.

  • @idablythe4847

    @idablythe4847

    3 жыл бұрын

    @Trevor P Rowe our bull was getting too aggressive and he already breed cows again. We are raising 1 female which he can’t breed his own offspring. We’re waiting on heifer to give birth The other cow had a bull calf. We half to get bull calf fixed so he can be raised for beef or sold. We are buying a weaned bull to raise up to breed cows later. Our bull was named Cash Money. We have Dot, Lucy, April and Gus. Our new baby bull is Buddy. And we’re waiting on new calf from Lucy. We will get bull calf in July or August. Our bull we put down was approachable but he liked to tear things up. We butchered Cash and he gave us 963 pounds of meat and weighed over 1700 pounds. He was an angus who had a good life and was raised on vegetables, watermelons and cantaloupe. We loved him and miss him but that is why you raise them. I live with my brother and his wife on 9 acres where we raise 4 1/2 acres of crops for the Farmers markets in Colorado.

  • @fab0017

    @fab0017

    4 ай бұрын

    Where are you in Colorado?

  • @johnnyripple8972

    @johnnyripple8972

    3 ай бұрын

    Do you see a decline in meat quality when they get that big?

  • @johnnyripple8972

    @johnnyripple8972

    3 ай бұрын

    @@idablythe4847 This is my dream. I have 10 acres paid for in wine country. Would like to raise a few head and do some vegetable farming (in a commercial greenhouse). How many hours a week are you working on average (I know it probably varies a lot) and can this be a profitable venture? Where would suggest someone start learning?

  • @idablythe4847

    @idablythe4847

    3 ай бұрын

    @@johnnyripple8972 It’s not about the time you spend and the hay needed to raise animals. It’s about for us that we have our own meat no antibiotics. Animals all grass fed. We have extra animals so it’s like a savings account if we need money. I would suggest if you want to raise vegetable you need Toto research how and best way to grow in green house. It can be a lot of work , especially if you can’t control weeds with no chemicals. We have a plastic layer machine and a hiller to put rows in. We are trying to eliminate most weeds before we start. My brother has been doing this for many years. Plastic layer also put down drip line under plastic so we only water the plant. Also have a sand filter for water so drip lines don’t get plugged with dirt. My brother uses a chemilizer to add nutrients that plants need. We also companion plant other vegetables so you utilize every inch of land. I know it sounds like a lot of work. We grew up on a dairy farm in Illinois You half to be commuted once you start and you will run into problem’s, But don’t be discouraged. My brother is on Facebook and also Grand Junction Gatdening here in Colorado. His name is George Morehouse if you interested. He shows a lot of what he does so you can get an idea. I would start out small until you work out kinks. Good luck. 🍀

  • @lsweeten1971
    @lsweeten19713 жыл бұрын

    Coco would like one of those giant cow brushes. Looks like she is using you as a scratching post. =D

  • @stevenandrews6627
    @stevenandrews66273 жыл бұрын

    Incredibly informative post. Thank you Pete!👍👍👍

  • @patblaney6147
    @patblaney61473 жыл бұрын

    Your channel is always educational Pete,good stuff keep them coming plz

  • @russellclement2058
    @russellclement20583 жыл бұрын

    Love the connection you have with your cows,,

  • @jeffwentzell3791
    @jeffwentzell37913 жыл бұрын

    Such a great lesson, love the channel, always a nice view!!

  • @Drew-gj1es
    @Drew-gj1es3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for going through the process. Very informative.

  • @frostyice218
    @frostyice2183 жыл бұрын

    Another great video Pete!

  • @joshc7182
    @joshc71823 жыл бұрын

    Pete, in this video you mentioned cull heifers and making decisions about sending certain animals off. If you make another video about herd management or such could you describe what your looking for in breeding stock and also cull animals?

  • @mikej1389
    @mikej13893 жыл бұрын

    Thank you nice break down on your farm planning process

  • @dianasteele8394
    @dianasteele83943 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for answering all my questions about cattle.

  • @creative837
    @creative8373 жыл бұрын

    I'm happy you made a book pete ! Looking forward to it 😃

  • @hlowens5780
    @hlowens57803 жыл бұрын

    Hi Pete. Great information. You’ve helped me tremendously. Thank you.

  • @GeraldParrish
    @GeraldParrish4 ай бұрын

    Far and away the best starter video I've seen. I loved the annual plan explained.

  • @phoenixrising3219
    @phoenixrising32193 жыл бұрын

    Perfect timing! I so enjoy your channel. Y'all have a Happy and safe, Memorial Day🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @felicitasstaedter1771
    @felicitasstaedter1771 Жыл бұрын

    Great video! New to cattle farming and getting our first herd of angus tomorrow. This video is so helpful! Hello from Australia!

  • @spoolsandbobbins
    @spoolsandbobbins6 ай бұрын

    This is so helpful to know how to move forward with our sheep and cattle. Thanks Pete!

  • @RichGrimshaw
    @RichGrimshaw3 жыл бұрын

    This was awesome. Thanks, Pete!

  • @azimus1776
    @azimus17763 жыл бұрын

    My compliments on your finely tuned and efficient operation! Every once in a while some turkey shows up and throws the operation into a tizzy, but this is really well done!

  • @anthonybarton2103
    @anthonybarton21033 жыл бұрын

    Have a great Memorial day weekend and Thanks for sharing the Cow 🐄 being Baptized as well.

  • @anitaculp683
    @anitaculp6833 жыл бұрын

    Very informative as usual!!! Thank you 😊

  • @WorldsBestWatcher
    @WorldsBestWatcher3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent primer on raising cattle on a relatively small farm. Continued success. 👍

  • @zachwiz4709
    @zachwiz47093 жыл бұрын

    Pete! You went in depth of this stuff before but not this good! I learned new terminology and learned what is best! Thank you for this informative video Pete.

  • @jackmargason2594
    @jackmargason25943 жыл бұрын

    Always informative Professor Pete.

  • @bobt471
    @bobt4713 жыл бұрын

    Very fascinating ! I’m a city boy raised , secret prepper and live my homesteading life through a few great channels! Thank you for sharing

  • @wm-fm1ts
    @wm-fm1ts3 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I love how informative your channel is :) I also love how tiny your Dexters are! My neighbors keep very large Herefords and the other farms around me primarily raise Angus. I'm concentrating on sheep at the moment, but one day I'd love to get some dairy cows.

  • @westwoodcoronado
    @westwoodcoronado3 жыл бұрын

    You need to offer workshops for people that want to start farms. I ran 20-30 Beefmasters here in Texas for years, and the younger generation is starting to show interest in farming/cattle.

  • @alexanderhobbs5963

    @alexanderhobbs5963

    2 жыл бұрын

    Im 29.... looking at land in TN to homestead and farm

  • @IEatMyCatch

    @IEatMyCatch

    3 ай бұрын

    Am 21, worked with horses and dogs my whole life. This year will be the year I purchase some land, trying to get ahead of the game as most people inherit their land

  • @whaaaaaaap

    @whaaaaaaap

    23 күн бұрын

    I’m 27 and you aren’t wrong

  • @theBakersonafewacres
    @theBakersonafewacres3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video that is full of great information, as usual. Your teaching style and the information you share is fantastic. We are considering starting a small beef herd and you are 100% responsible for making us seriously consider going with Dexter's.

  • @alanviner3711
    @alanviner37113 жыл бұрын

    great education thanks a heap.....you always give us the real deal it is so refreshing...

  • @joannthompson765
    @joannthompson7653 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the break down on cattle.i knew some stuff but u made a good pkg.

  • @gwenzenk3748
    @gwenzenk37483 жыл бұрын

    Love your little farm

  • @rockeerockey6941
    @rockeerockey69413 жыл бұрын

    Excellent information indeed! Excellent video! TY

  • @whommee
    @whommee3 жыл бұрын

    Good video, really enjoyed it.

  • @servihomestead4324
    @servihomestead43248 ай бұрын

    Great video, Mr. Pete. You always explain things in an understandable way that gives me confidence to try new things. We raised a few goats and sheep for a couple of years and harvested our own calf once. We are considering buying a bred cow or two calves. Thanks for sharing this.

  • @naimr.4301
    @naimr.43013 жыл бұрын

    I really like these informational videos I'm interested in starting a farm because has about 70-80 acres of land that is unused. I've always been interested in this career field. I'm 14 by the way I just wanted to say that so you know you have young fans out there.

  • @harmenkleinpoelhuis3606

    @harmenkleinpoelhuis3606

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi another young guy(16) interested in farming here. Im from the netherlands. My parants have a 150 acre farm. What other farm channels are you watching, i really like richard perkins and ive watched some of joel saletin videos.

  • @Splenda2021
    @Splenda202110 ай бұрын

    Thank you for educating me as a city boy and now at 55 retiring to start being a type rancher lol thx

  • @zyruemusic
    @zyruemusic Жыл бұрын

    EXCELLENT INFORMATION FOR A LAYMAN LIKE MYSELF!!! U BROKE DOWN EVERY ASPECT FOR THE BEGINNER IN MY OPINION…. THANK YOU FOR SUCH VALUABLE AND MUCH APPRECIATED INFORMATION!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

  • @brenterickson1695
    @brenterickson16953 жыл бұрын

    Great video Pete.

  • @ourstoneycreekjourney5702
    @ourstoneycreekjourney57022 ай бұрын

    Thanks Pete for the information. We are just about to pick up our first bull for our small belted Galloway stud, 4 cows. Even though we are in a different country & climate you have such practical advice that has helped us on our journey. 🍻

  • @ritabrunetti381
    @ritabrunetti3813 жыл бұрын

    Love the information you share with us. The cows must have been thrill when you let them move to a new pasture area. Be well.

  • @bobhostetler8548
    @bobhostetler85483 жыл бұрын

    We already feed the bull in Washington, plus the bulls on the farm.

  • @jeannedigennaro6484
    @jeannedigennaro64843 жыл бұрын

    Very informative and concise Great job.

  • @stephenglendenning1475
    @stephenglendenning14753 жыл бұрын

    Dad is tell you did a great job 👏.? Have a great week and be safe. Thank you from us.

  • @JustaFewAcresFarm

    @JustaFewAcresFarm

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Stephen!

  • @LanceMcCormick
    @LanceMcCormick3 жыл бұрын

    Great Job! Nice video on the subject of raising beef!

  • @scrotiemcbogerballs8286
    @scrotiemcbogerballs82863 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing buddy god bless you and your family Thanks to all service members thank you for everything you have sacrificed for our freedom

  • @jondaniel540
    @jondaniel5403 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Pete. Great advice.

  • @TheAppalachianWay
    @TheAppalachianWay5 ай бұрын

    The video and information I’ve been looking for, thank you.

  • @rayward9265
    @rayward92653 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Very informative,

  • @MD-bp8vb
    @MD-bp8vb Жыл бұрын

    fantastic video so informative. Thank you so much for this excellent video

  • @mathiasbauman916
    @mathiasbauman9163 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for all of the info Pete! It sounds like I shouldn't hesitate to buy a 2 year old steer in the spring to grass finish in order to butcher in the fall. I've always thought I needed yearlings for better meat. That definitely would open up more options for me in my area.

  • @jamescassidy5797
    @jamescassidy5797 Жыл бұрын

    Great info. Nicely done. Thank you.

  • @jaycool7805
    @jaycool78053 жыл бұрын

    Congrats on a 100 thousand subs!!!

  • @joedinkel2107
    @joedinkel21072 жыл бұрын

    Hello pete you are a master peace. God bless you sir keep on rockin

  • @mr.erepel624
    @mr.erepel6243 жыл бұрын

    Very informative - thanks!

  • @jfm7193
    @jfm71932 жыл бұрын

    Pete first, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. They are extremely informative, thought provoking, humorous (yes I do cringe at some) and really, really well put together. I have watched this video a few times and every time I learn more. I have about 15+ acres of pasture in southwest Virginia. I am in the process of ordering/buying 4 or 5 heifers (hopefully a spread of age, but still less than 4 years). I am getting Red Ruby Devon (more of a rare breed - but VERY gentle, grass eating/converting genetics and good mothers) so I will be using AI ( which due to rarity of breed will be $$) for a while as my herd builds (and hopefully I can find more land). I am new to this... so I will be gluing myself to your videos. Thank you!!

  • @jacksmith827
    @jacksmith8273 жыл бұрын

    Great video. My Dad and Grand Dad were both cattlemen. They had an AI business in the early 60s, very early in the AI technology. They were both pilots and had several airplanes for the business and went all over the country inseminating cows. We were a 100% Black Angus operation. Again great video.

  • @rorywynhoff1549
    @rorywynhoff15493 жыл бұрын

    Very informative, thank you.

  • @vannor6531
    @vannor65313 жыл бұрын

    Every now and again, a You Tube recommendation thows up a gem. I work in IT and live in about as town environment as possible (London, UK) but this channel is wonderful. Pete, you have a wonderful way of explaining things that is rare. Great channel.

  • @JustaFewAcresFarm

    @JustaFewAcresFarm

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Vannor!!

  • @garylawson7801
    @garylawson78019 ай бұрын

    Hi Peter, great video. I'm a new subscriber, and I'm finding your presentations enjoyable and informative. I'm at the startup in my farming venture. I decided I needed a lifestyle change after a lifetime career of combined military and security protection. I'm 2 generations removed from an ancestorial dairy farming legacy, so I thought I would return to my heritage, so to speak. I'm located in rural NSW Australia, which once was prime cattle grazing country, but is now mainly planted out with viticulture and has become one of Australia's premier wine regions. I have managed to secure a blank 40-acre grass land block with a good water supply. I plan to establish a small Lowline Angus breeding herd, which I believe is similar in characteristics to your Dexters. From this foundation herd, I hope to generate income through a boutique paddock to plate butchery providing organic grass fed angus to the table. Thank you for your generosity in putting out these informative videos.

  • @frankenfarms
    @frankenfarms4 ай бұрын

    Very very very informatiive and thank you to share your calendar

  • @okskeeter278
    @okskeeter2783 жыл бұрын

    Another very informative video.

  • @Kepharocks
    @Kepharocks3 жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @kiddfamilyfarmllc9962
    @kiddfamilyfarmllc99623 жыл бұрын

    Yes, we stay away from grain also. Can,t wait for our first beef

  • @mandlamkhonza3283
    @mandlamkhonza3283 Жыл бұрын

    This was very informative thank you

  • @fabledreamor
    @fabledreamor5 ай бұрын

    They were so adorable.

  • @JK-jf7xq
    @JK-jf7xq Жыл бұрын

    We appreciate you giving up the goods. 🙂

  • @BrandonGallemore
    @BrandonGallemore3 жыл бұрын

    Man, I love your videos. We're getting 2 heifers and a bull at the end of this month. I'll be in the exaxt situation you talked about. We have just 10.7 acres right now too. We'll need to buy some of the adjacent tracts of land if we can.

  • @azimus1776
    @azimus17763 жыл бұрын

    I think a great "Small Farmer Sunday" video would be a discussion on where to go for help and support, particularly if you're starting out. You're a great storyteller and I'd love to hear that story (admittedly you may have covered this I haven't seen 100% of your videos yet). I don't know what kind of farming your dad did, is he one of your resources? This sort of info would be particularly helpful to families with no farm roots on where they can go beyond family to get questions answered if they're stuck.

  • @mokpot
    @mokpot Жыл бұрын

    Dude! looking like a gentleman farmer in those new threads!

  • @123WorryFreeGardening
    @123WorryFreeGardening3 ай бұрын

    Great video on managing cattle on a smaller ranch. We got some gems from here. We artificially inseminate now and determining if that's the best route for us.

  • @patriciabeyer7824
    @patriciabeyer78243 жыл бұрын

    The cattle are beautiful. 👍👍💞

  • @robertkaus4168
    @robertkaus41683 жыл бұрын

    Nice explanation! Now I know how it works.

  • @tonyhenhoeffer1941
    @tonyhenhoeffer194110 ай бұрын

    Great video informative and entertaining

  • @michaelshea4372
    @michaelshea43723 жыл бұрын

    Never realized you were in central nys. Where abouts are you? Love your channel and the way you farm. Reminds me of my dad and grandfathers way of farming. Easy to see you care for your animals. Also,we use similar machinery. (Old and worn out but still gettin it done). 656&574 gasers. 477 nh haybine,276 nh baler

  • @ebudrow1
    @ebudrow13 жыл бұрын

    We end up leasing a bull every year for breeding purposes. With our more mild climate we get them in the off season so our calves are born early spring. We only have 2-3 to be bred. And not enough space for a bull anyway.

  • @brucerushing2363
    @brucerushing23633 жыл бұрын

    Very informative

  • @joemacleod9820
    @joemacleod98203 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video.

  • @rosalieroku3818
    @rosalieroku38183 жыл бұрын

    Just came across your channel. Thanks for your excellent work. You've done an amazing job creating a comprehensive, rigorous, and definitive guide to small sustainable grass-fed livestock farming. But the most important part is your sharing the heart, the love, the culture that is farming. I was in school in the early 80s when waves of family farms were "failing" (financially). My right wing roommate coldly said "If they can't compete in the free market, they shouldn't be farming. " While I thought to myself "Farming is the very foundation of civilization. If a farmer can't support their family farming, we are all in trouble. "

  • @JustaFewAcresFarm

    @JustaFewAcresFarm

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Large-scale industrial farming left the free market long ago...

  • @rorywynhoff1549

    @rorywynhoff1549

    3 жыл бұрын

    The small farms didn't "fail," it was a designed corporate takeover.

  • @garrylambert4817
    @garrylambert48172 ай бұрын

    Great information.

  • @jamesspry3294
    @jamesspry32942 жыл бұрын

    Very good Pete. But the other option/s are to buy in weaner calves or yearlings (if you are really small &/or don't want to breed your own) or partner up with another farmer (or two...) and share a bull (or two, three...) Both of these are a bit tricky, but as Joel says "there's no perfection this side of eternity."

  • @terenceyust7272
    @terenceyust72723 жыл бұрын

    I went into a really bad bar the other day. It was a real vile inn!!

  • @MsBuur
    @MsBuur3 жыл бұрын

    Verry Nice 👍 i m looking and wait for evry New film 👷🔨Nest kom hai balling . Greetings from Drunen Nederland ☀️

  • @Barbara-se8od
    @Barbara-se8od2 жыл бұрын

    Love your Dexters

  • @lonnieatterbury1277
    @lonnieatterbury12779 ай бұрын

    I’m learning so much from your channel. I dream to be a farmer

  • @tymaze2539
    @tymaze25393 ай бұрын

    Great info, I am starting small with Santa Gertrudis cattle on 69acres with 10 heifers AI bull #1, the offspring will be breed to second AI bull #2 I will keep some cavs heifers for replacements, the rest will sale to feedlot. Small cattle ranch in Texas

  • @mikebarnes2936
    @mikebarnes29363 жыл бұрын

    We have spayed our feeder heifers for the last number of years and I wish I had started this 20 years ago. The gains are substantial (100+ pounds & we grass finish) and the ease on fences and herd management is SO worth it. We pay our vet to come out and by the end of the day we average about $15-$20 a head to accomplish. A decent head gate or preg shoot is all you need. I was stubborn and fought my vets advice for years, but I assure you once you start the program you will never go back. Great job on your herd management!

  • @spoolsandbobbins

    @spoolsandbobbins

    6 ай бұрын

    Why spay them if you don’t mind me asking?

  • @hm1040
    @hm104010 ай бұрын

    Great tips!!!

  • @springsy6210
    @springsy62103 жыл бұрын

    very informative. thanks

  • @richardryan4765
    @richardryan47653 жыл бұрын

    Excellent.

  • @breakonthru5
    @breakonthru53 жыл бұрын

    Hey Pete, I saw that grassroots mug! I have one of those from years ago.

  • @JustaFewAcresFarm

    @JustaFewAcresFarm

    3 жыл бұрын

    I used to go every year. Loved it.

  • @karenschlenker1241
    @karenschlenker12413 жыл бұрын

    Pete can't wait to see the baby calves. How are the piglets? Love the videos and info. Tell the family hi. ❤️💜💙💚

  • @davidsample9130
    @davidsample91303 жыл бұрын

    Very good system, yrs ago, 40 or so, my father RIP, kept polled Herefords, bulls travelled between growers, is it just untraditional or lack of nearby other Dexter growers that prevents this in your area. Great channel, reminisce a lot watching it.

  • @charlesburkhart800
    @charlesburkhart8003 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I want cows. Great stories in all the comments....I read all of them.....funny jokes, love the information. Thanks.

  • @risesinner
    @risesinner2 жыл бұрын

    Just ordered his book on Amazon. Check out his website for link. Happy to support guys like this.

  • @Wingnut_Stickman
    @Wingnut_Stickman3 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting topic. I don't eat meat or dairy but no denying, cows are way cool. Thanks for sharing.

  • @dans_Learning_Curve
    @dans_Learning_Curve3 жыл бұрын

    Like #587 Thanks for the video! Life is a learning curve! HINDSIGHT is 20-15!

  • @brianleonard6885
    @brianleonard68853 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much

  • @headshock1111
    @headshock11115 ай бұрын

    what a great video

  • @dooleysmichiganhomestead8339
    @dooleysmichiganhomestead83393 жыл бұрын

    Thumbs up from The Dooley's of Michigan

  • @williambrandt5860
    @williambrandt58603 жыл бұрын

    GREAT VIDEO as usual! Have you ever heard of Loyd C Brackett ? He was a champion German Sheppard dog breeder who used line and in breeding? I respect your opinion and always wondered about his methods...thank you Pete!!!