In need of Education

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Honkomp

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 1, 2011
Messages
74
Location
Winterset, Iowa
I am new to show cattle and need an education on how to, "Do the Homework." before buying a prospect.  I am interested in purchasing a heifer to show and breed.  What things so I need to learn about before purchasing.

Jeff Honkomp
 

Jacob B

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2008
Messages
542
Location
Ithaca, Michigan
There's a lot to it...it takes some people years just to find that breeder that they want to buy from, and then even longer for that breeder to have one you want to buy.  Do your research, evaluate both parents, and any offspring you can find from them.  Look at the calves mulitple times to see how they are growing, I don't know how many times I have heard "this one gets better every day".  Some of them are just not that good, and some of them are realy just a little green and are getting better every day.  Maybe work with or for that breeder for a few years so that the breeder can see just how hard you are willing to work on one, and can help you learn what to do with a good one.  They have to trust you as well.  Find out from multiple breeders what genetics are more predictible and what ones are not.  Find out how to feed the critter, there is soooo much more to feeding a show calf than a cow or a feedlot full of calves.  There is much more to it than mentioned above, too much for even me to ramble on about.  Don't just throw your money at one without finding out as much as you can about the cattle and the person you are buying them from.
 
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