Hi Everybody

[Ridgetop]

I'm leaning toward Guernseys because I hear Jersey bulls are difficult to deal with, especially for beginning farmers. I'm trying to learn more about the temperament of Guernsey bulls.

Welcome!

Dont keep a bull, have your cows AI’ed. Then you don’t have to fool with a bull.

@Baymule beat me to it -- AI before a bull!!

They both beat me to it! Most dairy bulls seem to be more aggressive and dangerius than beef bulls. Definitely do AI. You can also AI to a meat breed to raise beef while still having your dairy herd.

My dad is from Mount Pleasant, Texas. I spent a lot of summer in East Texas as a child!

Our place is in Yantis - about 20 minutes from Mount Pleasant!

 

[bggrant2]

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

 

[canesisters]

Definitely agree with the AI advice.
1. Why feed something that large for a year so it can do a job that only happens 1x a year?
2. Most dairy bulls have been bottle raised & that is why (I believe) they are considered more dangerous. I think that they may see humans a less powerful, non-threatening, inferior herd member.

 

[Ridgetop]

You might also be able to borrow a bull or use someone's bull for stud service, but with organic you won't want to take the cow off property, or bring in a bull from someone that is not registered organic.

 

[bggrant2]

Definitely agree with the AI advice.
1. Why feed something that large for a year so it can do a job that only happens 1x a year?
2. Most dairy bulls have been bottle raised & that is why (I believe) they are considered more dangerous. I think that they may see humans a less powerful, non-threatening, inferior herd member.

Wow, that is so interesting. Are most bulls bottle fed, or just most dairy bulls?

 

[bggrant2]

You might also be able to borrow a bull or use someone's bull for stud service, but with organic you won't want to take the cow off property, or bring in a bull from someone that is not registered organic.

Thank you! That's good to know as I prepare to become a registered organic farm.

 

[Baymule]

Dairy bulls are just meaner than beef breeds. Jersey bulls are the worst.

 

[Ridgetop]

A lot of dairy farmers breed their first freshening heifers to small birth weight Angus bulls. Angus sired calves are smaller and easier to deliver for first timers. A lot of times they are born black and bring better prices at the beef sales.