NEEPS

Julie · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject:

That's always the problem isn't it.
To be honest, I've stopped using the Rare breeds sale at Thainstone for the same reason. I know it's probably not very pc to admit this, but I feel there are probably too many well meaning but inexperienced people buying and selling at these speciality sales. It is evident in the outrageous prices they seem to be willing to pay for poor conditioned livestock that the owners ought to be ashamed to be showing, never mind selling.
I am using the farmers marts for my surplus now as at least I can be sure they know what they're doing. I may get a little less for it, but it will be cared for correctly this side of the butchers slab.
The problem is though, farmers are seldom interested in rare breeds as they aren't economically viable - that's why they're rare!
You might be better to hold onto them until a suitable owner can be found.
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Stonehead · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

Ratchet · Mini-Neepster Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 42

Hi,

I'm guessing because they are likely to go to a real farmer and contrary to popular opinion the majority of farmers look after their cattle well. At least all those that I ken do. Granted they might not be bedded down in freshly fluffed straw every night and be out in a windswept park on a dreich night but then that's what cattle are supposed to be able to cope with. Those with little experience, (let's call them toonies/white settlers - just to up the ante) are unlikely to go to a regular mart day, it's just too intimidating and confusing. I don't buy at the mart for that very reason (the OH does it). We try to avoid buying dealers cattle.

The rare breeds sales do attract a different clientel who tend to be hobby farmers and I'm guessing that they are from two very polarised groups those that are really into their respective breeds and those that think a couple of pigs / pretty little coos / fluffy hens will look good on their couple of acres. The former will be usually be very knowlegable the latter probably much less so.

We farm commercially and would not be adverse to having rare breeds to fatten. Athough not rare breeds we have had Shorthorn, Highland and Galloway crosses, bought because they were the right 'type' at the right price which we could hopefully make a pound or twa on. If a heifer comes throught the ring and she looks alright then we'll bid. We probably wouldn't buy at a rare breed sale due to the generally inflated prices unless I was after a "pet" coo which would be my milk coo, even then I'd prefer to buy direct from the breeder. So if anyone has some Derbyshire Gritstones! - a blast from my past that I'm thinking of reliving?!

Rare breeds can be commercially viable and may become more main stream with the increasing need for cattle that can fatten off grass, live out, calve themselves, etc (price of oil/environmental concerns and all that). I'd say that at the moment rare breeds lack critical mass (we just bought 40 head last Thurs all the same "type" and all aged within 6 months of each other), it would be difficult to buy rare breeds like that. Plus it takes time for the thinking/ways of an entire industry to change.

Anyway completely off topic, so I'm going.

Good luck with finding a decent hame for your coos.

R
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lachlanandmarcus · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:43 pm Post subject:

Here are the girlies, hopefully they dont look neglected

)

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Ratchet · Mini-Neepster Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 42

Hi

I wish I not looked at these photo's - a years a long time to wait.....aagh! Nice roomy pelvises, great for a BBX calf.

Ach weel, patience.

Nice development project in the background!

R
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felixcanis · Neepster Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 143 Location: Moray

Hi Ratchet

On Shetland, those girls would probably be mated with a commercial bull - I believe the Simmental is the favourite - to produce calves that can be sold at mart.

See picture:
http://www.shetlandcattle.org.uk/xlsimmyx.htm

Some Shetlands are bred pure to maintain the stock, but a living has to be made.

The Shetlands have the second largest pelvic area after the Jersey & are suited to crossing with the commercial bulls.

I find that an amazing picture, that 5 month old calf is almost as large as the mother - testament to the suckling ability of the Shetland cow.

Kind regards

FelixC

Julie · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject:

Julie · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:19 pm Post subject:

I'm keeping my few remaining Jacob crosses for our own meat and have Suffolks and Texels for the mart. I found that I got stared at as a new face, but they were nevertheless very friendly at Huntly, and the staff were very helpful when I told them I was new to it.
Farmers do look after their livestock, they'd be stupid not to, it's their investment and their livelihood. This myth about bad farming is propagated by people with an agenda. I have been given to understand that we have far stricter welfare regulations in Britain than they have in Europe.
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lachlanandmarcus · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:10 pm Post subject:

Have decided to keep the girlies, at least for now....
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Julie · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 11:06 am Post subject:

I can't help it....I'm glad you're keeping them, they're too nice to sell for a pittance.
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It is better to light a candle than to rail against the darkness
VOTE WITH YOUR FEET!