Depends on market fluctuations and the cost of the calves. I have done this for the last two years and wonder why I didn't start doing this about 22 years ago when my dad helped me buy my first 160 acres. Seems right now to have a higher return per acre than any crops in this area. The main thing is to be able to get about 1.5 to 2 pounds of gain per day as low cost as possible. Be aware of market changes and follow the futures markets. Make sure if you are using a contracted supplier that the calves are weaned and had all their shots, or else discount the price a little. If you are locked in on delivery time and price to a feedlot, that would be great, but make sure they are not knocking you down for little things like size consistency or fleshiness. I go through a couple of the local sale barns so the regional market prices are a vital piece of information as to when to sell the calves and also when to buy them. Good corrals and fences are a must to limit amount of time and energy expended in taking care of the calves. I found a good scale also aids the sorting prior to sale to let me take in a like size of calves. A bunch of 10 about the same weight usually will bring more at auction than 10 in groups of 3 or 4. Sometimes it is an easy way to make lots of money quick and other times it is a quick way to lose money fast. Best of luck. |