How to Run a Registered Black Angus Cattle Business
- 1). Locate suitable premises on which to keep your herd---existing farmland you own or lease and/or indoor facilities such as barns or sheds. The area of land you would need per cow will vary according to location, climate and land quality. For example, in central Missouri, 2.5 acres of land is considered sufficient for each cow/calf pair. In areas of Kansas, however, the same pair requires 6 acres of land. Depending on your area's climate, provide indoor housing or at least shelter for the cattle during the winter months.
- 2). Purchase some Black Angus breeding heifers, whether as adult cattle or calves. Buy from a registered Black Angus dealer, who will already have registered these cattle. Keep good track of each animal's paperwork and identifying tags or markings. You can purchase cattle either directly from another ranch or commercially through an auction facility.
- 3). Establish a relationship with at least one local veterinarian who has experience with Black Angus cattle and will be available to help you should one of your cows become ill or injured.
- 4). Breed from your herd of Black Angus heifers when they reach a suitable age. If you do not own your own Black Angus bull, you may lease or hire a bull for breeding purposes. Alternatively, you can artificially inseminate heifers with pre-purchased bull semen.
- 5). Register the calves born each year with your local branch of the Angus Association. Procedures for registration vary by region, but all involve issuing the animal with a unique identifying marker (such as a numbered ear tag) and placing the details of its birth in the herd register.
- 6). Develop a plan for what to do with the calves bred from your herd. Typically, you can either add the female Black Angus cattle born each year to your own herd or well them for breeding. With the exception of the few bulls with a possible breeding career, you will likely sell the males directly into beef production. Over the years, your herd can grow to fill the space you have available.
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