Soapweed's Ranch
Ramblings |
Had a fun day of traveling and looking at cattle. I ended up buying 35 bull
calves that were born this past February. They are the top 20% or so out of
a real good commercial Angus herd. They are weighing over 900 lbs. right now
and should gain about 2.25 pounds per day until early May, when I take delivery.
They cost me $1200 apiece, which includes the winter feed bill (basically $1000
each for the bulls, and $200 each for feed until May). I paid $200 apiece today,
and wrote "feed" on the check, to be deducted on this year's business. Right
after the first of January, I will give another check for $400 each, and will
pay the "second half" $600 in May, upon delivery. These bulls come from the
same herd that I bought a bunch from two years ago, so should work real well.
Next fall, at the end of breeding season, these bulls will be sold as "cutting
bulls" and with any luck, will bring at least $800 apiece. This still amounts
to fairly cheap rent, and we don't have to put up with the bellering obnoxious
buggers all next winter.
Also I bought 27 real nice Angus bred heifers from the same party. They are weighing
around 1100# each, and are in ideal flesh. These cost $1200 each, but with a
savings in income tax, actual cost will be more like $800. These heifers and
the bulls all have good dispositions and are gentle to walk around. That is worth
a lot.
Also spent some time visiting with a friend who makes saddles and other leather
goods. Stopped off at the local emporium and got in on Taco Tuesday for supper.
Caught up on the local gossip with other patrons. Anyway, it was a fun day.
Copyright © 2005 Steve
Moreland
All Rights Reserved