will you call breeders for information?

[knabe]

I used to be hestitant to call as i didnt' want to waste people's time, but have found for the most part, they would recognize questions i needed to ask and filled in for me on other topics i hadn't thought of.  wondering what people's thoughts are on both sides.  what questions help breeders focus on what is recommended for our situation and which one's are pointless?

 

[ROAD WARRIOR]

Knabe - As a breeder I thoroughly enjoy most of the calls and questions I get from customers or who ever. But I will talk cows with anybody at about any time. I do know some "breeders" that get annoyed talking to people unless they think there is a Buck in it for them. Any question that relates to your involvement with the breeder should be asked - the only dumb question is the one that you didn't ask.

 

[red]

Knabe- I like & welcome phone calls. I'd rather they call me directly than go behind my back & ask other people questions about the cattle I sold them.

I think the internet has also made breeders very acessable.

Red

 

[SKF]

My kids always call or eamil the breeders with any questions we have and to just let them know how things are going. I am glad that they do because last year my son had problems with one of his steers and the breeders gave him a full credit for another calf. If we had not stayed in touch so often they might not have been so willing to help out.

 

[red]

I agree, I like to hear both good & bad information. OK, I'd prefer to hear the good! Right now the girl that has my red heifer has been IM me w/ updates. It's nice to know how she's doing & also makes me feel good that she went to a good place. Also keeps me in touch for future sales.

Red

 

[afhm]

Have in the past and will in the future.  Sometimes late at night I will email instead of call.

 

[DL]

I get a lot of emails, often from kids (not always) about calves - it is an easy way to talk about cattle at a time that is convienent for all. Many of these kids after years of emailing have bought a steer or heifer - so I think it is a good way to communicate.
I love talking cattle too, but it is often hard to get me on the phone - the cell doesn't ring here (yeah wierd) and I am not often in the house -

When I call breeders it is usually with a specific question - I remember once buying a heifer (sight unseen - good friend picked her out) and I called the breeder to ask questons about his vaccination program - he didn't have a clue what vaccine he used - never went back

I also call bull owners prior to buying semen - if they don't return my call I don't ever buy from them  ;D if ya only pay attention to the big guys then I'll take my business elsewhere.. ;D