Guide to Buying and Breeding Goats

Implement cattle breeding practices to maximize production and profitability

By R.N. Dolgener, Special Education Teacher

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stay current with beef cattle prices to maximize your profits

Most small farmers don't worry about worldwide cattle prices, but with family farms falling victim to large cattle-producing conglomerates, small farmers should use any information available to gain an edge over big business.

I recommend: Plan regular visits to the United States Department of Agriculture's commodity report for beef and cattle. Customize a high-tech market report using TFC Commodity Charts.

Find specific breeds of cattle for sale nationwide

No matter which breeds of cattle you plan to buy, you can find great resources online. If you're not comfortable with online buying -- which is most often via secure networks to protect your information and involves buyer and seller vetting to ensure valid transactions -- at least browse online ads to get a feel for market prices for heifer, bred cow and bred cow/calf packages.

I recommend: Search for replacement stock by cattle breeds at Buy Sell Cows, or register for a buyer membership at CattleRoundUp.com.

Improve your cattle ranching operation through championship genetic upgrades

If your cattle company deals in purebred stock, especially replacement heifers and show cattle, you need to follow showing trends to keep producing conformationally sound calves that judges -- and buyers -- will appreciate. Sell for the national purebred show circuit if you want to truly maximize profit, but remember that genetics, artificial insemination and embryo transfer requirements for modern pure breeding require substantial start-up investment.

I recommend: Find genetic resources for raising beef cattle steers at The Breeders' World Beef Breeders Directory. Or, sign up for the Showsteers.com newsletter and keep up with the latest winners -- and their pedigrees -- in the show cattle circuit.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Assisted livestock breeding programs are a big investment, so work closely with a veterinarian you trust to develop a breeding plan. Embryo transfer, for example, takes months of preparation, semen procurement (and storage), fertility cycle synchronization and laboratory facilities to flush and select viable embryos. Make sure your veterinarian can handle those demands, as well as any medical or calving emergencies that crop up at your facility.