I look at my next real opportunity to sell those big cows won't be until the calf is 4 months old. I would not wean much earlier.

I do purchase all my winter hay but even if you bale your own I think the cost/ton is not a lot different if you account for fertilizer, time and machinery.

Purchased hay just makes the same costs more visible since I need to write a significant size check. Not to mention the costs for me to haul it and wrap it, etc.

Just thinking out loud here trying to learn something myself. Eddie I do not have any planned outcome nor have I made assumptions for any particular reason I am just trying to get a handle on costs.

If I did not cull these three large cows I was going to have to purchase more hay, about $1,000 worth/16 large round bales. What do those 16 bales at $1,000 (+ some other cash expenses) get me on May 1? Three 200 lb calves.

Jim at Dawn