Co-op Herds

Does anyone have any experience using co-op herds to grow an operation using ET?  I have a local breeder who is considering allowing us to use a group of his cows as recips, possible the whole herd next year if we work something beneficial to both of us on his group of Fall Calvers.

Anyway, I have heard people say they buy ET calves at weaning at a flat fee, or an amount over market price, and one breeder said he partners with the co-op herd all the way through marketing the calves whether they are selling the ET calves when they are late yearlings and bred or whether they are show prospects. 

My question is does someone have a plan that has worked for you or someone you know you'd be willing to share.  All help is greatly appreciated!

My guy. I ship him the eggs. He puts them in & I buy the calves at weaning for $1000/ea.

We've done the same thing $1000 a head at weaning for a live calf

I don't have any experience with this. I have cows I would love to do ET with, but don't have the time to promote calves or show the calves and only have 50 head. I do however have a bull that I would like to do the same thing with as far as semen. To me the best way to promote a bull is to have calves on the ground and see how they do both for market and show. I think it is crazy when an unproven 1 or 2 year old bull can cost 50 -150 for semen when we haven't seen calves. I am willing to work with someone next year if there is anyone out there who may be interested in Co-oping with semen provided out of a bull I own.  If not I will be the only one that will have l calves out of him whether they are great or ok and I don't think they will get much of a chance like many of the other good bulls that don't get promoted due to lack of money and publicity. 

First of all T-Majic, welcome to Steer Planet!

I have some experience in "trying" to market my own stud bull and from my experience the lines are long and the road is tough!  Is there opportunity, yes, but everything has to line up just right.  I'm willing to help anyway I can.  Email me a picture and details on the bull, [email protected].

show us the bull.....
maybe will find interest on here; lots of cattle pple on here