how expensive is it to keep a cow?

[cofi]

we are thinking about getting a young cow and im just wondering how much hay it is going to eat so i can kind of plan expenses....also you keep them until they are 2 or about 1000lbs correct?

if anyone has any tips for a first time cow owner i would appreciate it

[spqrzilla]

Pretty cheap until they divorce you.

[bogie]

This depends on maturity, breed, but figure 20-30 lbs of hay per day = about a third to half a bale of hay per day. Then you may want to consider "finishing" feeding with some grain (ground corn) and other stuff like mineral blocks. These can get expensive since corn prices are through the roof but you don't need much for one cow. Figure a hundred bucks at least for this.

Not sure what the going rate is for hay is in CO but in OH it ranges between $3 and $5 per bale for decent hay with good clover/alfalfa contents. You want good hay with clover/alfalfa since it is high in protein, calcium, etc.

If you get a weened calf (usually ~3 or 4 months old) you can keep it about a year and a half. Butcher at 18 to 24 months. The beef yield depends on breed. Honestly you should consider getting a bred heifer and keep the cycle going.

You need shelter, constant water supply, Shots could be about $100 or so.. again not sure for here in CO.

Lots of things to think about. I hope this at least gets you going

[bogie]

Pretty cheap until they divorce you.

LMAO that too

[cofi]

I was paying like 10 bucks a bale for my goats looks like cows get expensive....I was thinking buying a 3 month old then waiting a year and buying another one so I'm harvesting one a year or so.....think it would be better to buy a heifer instead? Can I just pay someone a stud fee to knock her up yearly??

[bogie]

Damn $10/bale... that could get steep then. They won't eat that much at 4 months but that figure i gave is a good average. I think you should consider the heifer route, but make sure you buy good stock. It always helps to go to a sale with somebody that knows a bit. The vets will be there too. You can get them checked out and get their shots before bringing them home.

We liked black angus but they tend to bring more money so your upfront costs will be a bit higher to get the heifer. You can buy one that's already prego. A guy can come out and knock here up for you. They use a "straw" to do the deed so you won't actually need a bull. We had a chute for this too. It's hard to keep a 1200 lb animal steady when your sticking something up their you-know-what. So figure you need some kind of tight stall if you are going that route. But the nice thing is you can get prize bull sperm in those straws. Again you'll pay for it but you can get some nice stock. Are there any ranches around you?

You should talk to your county extension office. They will be able to give you a wealth of information.

[SideShow Bob]

Can I just pay someone a stud fee to knock her up yearly??

I'm sure a few members here would come as often or more than was needed..........

Seriously, if you have small children that are not clued into country living, you will end up with a family pet instead of beef for the table.
And make sure to consider slaughter and butcher fees into the works for cost.....

[Great-Kazoo]

Have you considered just buying one on the hoof (term check?) I get calls 3-4 times a years asking me if i'm interested in going in 1/2-1/3 on beef.
Check with jreifsch he deals in feed or supplements for livestock.

[Irving]

How much land do you have to keep it on. I ask because some guy pays us every year to keep about 26 head of cattle on our land for the summer, and I know he isn't bringing them any food.

[cofi]

How much land do you have to keep it on. I ask because some guy pays us every year to keep about 26 head of cattle on our land for the summer, and I know he isn't bringing them any food.

Just shy of 50 acers