[BoldVenture]

Hello, I'm new here. I don't own any cattle yet. I own 18 acres and lease 15. I've actually been in a dilemma on wether Cattle or Sheep are more efficient and profitable. I'd love everyone's insight and comments! Thank you!

 

[DoubleR]

Hi and Welcome! We're glad you've joined us!
Cattle are going to be more profitable. Especially these days BUT the amount of land is more expensive, equipment to handle them is more expensive etc. Start up in cattle is more expensive but the pay off is greater as well.
In the kind of acreage your discussing if your thinking about grazing animals you won't be able to put many cattle on it. Depending on where you live and irrigation etc your looking at 1 pair per 3-5 acres on average. Again this depends on where you live. I can't tell you even an estimate for sheep. Sorry. Sheep aren't profitable around here. Only see a few in my travels. Cattle are everywhere.
Hope this helps!

 

[BoldVenture]

I'm in middle TN. We can graze about 1 head per acre with cattle and about 5 head per acre with Sheep


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN

 

[BoldVenture]

Also I don't need any irrigation, my land borders a creek and is good bottom land.


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN

 

[DoubleR]

You are so lucky! That's super!

 

[BoldVenture]

I know! . Thanks!


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN

 

[BoldVenture]

I've always been told that sheep are more profitable than Cattle because the twin so much and eat so much less. I also know from experience that sheep love to die a lot more than cattle lol. One concern I've had with sheep is sheering, I have NO interest in sheering 100 head of sheep every year.lol. And if I was so lucky as to find someone to sheer them for me that's more overhead...


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN

 

[kbfarms]

Sorry to break it to you but your coming in at the wrong time lol. Cattle prices have never ever been higher and neither has feed or hay. Not telling this to discourage you just giving you a heads up it's gonna take a couple years to break even and even longer to show a profit worth showing lol. Also on that amount of land start small say 10 or 12 head so you can feel out your land make sure your not gonna kill yourself with feed and hay bills. Also idk where you are located but here in nc your gonna drop 10-20 grand on 10-12 cows right now depending on bred, open, good pedigree, registered, etc.

 

[BoldVenture]

I know! Prices are stupid high! I agree, I was actually thinking about starting with around 5 head to start out. We'll be cutting hay next year on about 30 acres.


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN

 

[Markwright]

It depends on a few things:

IF your in a good ethnic market area to sell lambs...sheep are a winner.

ALSO how is the preditor situation at your place?....you might be wise to buy a sheep guard dog.

why not run a few cows and run ewes together? that optimizes your grazing...is the best of Both World's so to speak.

 

[BoldVenture]

Might be a good idea...


Bold Venture Farms
Buffalo Valley, TN