Accountant wanting to start his own herd

[RWG Contracts]

I am not in the current business of farming (age 23, currently a part qualified accountant), however, I spent most of my youth around farms and I always wanted to start my own farm whether it only be part-time. I am considering starting my own herd. My plan would be to buy 8 acres (Decent land around here is around £25,000 an acre) and buying 8 shorthorn cows and use AI. The reason for 8 cows is because I would need them to graze all year round with a steel framed shelter for the winter period. I would like the herd to be as efficient as possible, and to mainly cover the costs of the mortgage for the land which would be around £3,700/y. If all went well I would grow the herd along with the increased purchase of land. As I have a full time job I wouldn't be taking any kind of salary from the herd. The reason for this post is to find out what others peoples opinions on this would be?

I can’t help you with regards to if it’ll make money or not but way I looked at it when I left a good paying job to go it on my own is, you’re young enough, presume no kids yet? So Nows the time to try, no point waiting a few years when you’ve kids reliant on your income. Go for it, what’s the worse that can happen.

 

[delilah]

We have a herd similar to your aspirations (native breed, a dozen cows). A true costing (ie proper apportion of fixed costs, not just marginal costs) shows that each cow produces a loss of £500/yr, so yes by all means go for it but as said don't give up the day job.

 

[DrWazzock]

We have a herd similar to your aspirations (native breed, a dozen cows). A true costing (ie proper apportion of fixed costs, not just marginal costs) shows that each cow produces a loss of £500/yr, so yes by all means go for it but as said don't give up the day job.

I'd say that is what we found with ten cows if we costed up everything properly.

Vets bills, one death and a caesarean didn't help. A big learning exercise that hasn't put me off completely.

If all goes well it doesn't take a lot of time up, particularly when compared to sheep but never underestimate the time that can be taken up if a problem does occur such as mastitis, a difficult calving or a calf that takes a lot of getting going. You can be fiddling around for days on end with these kind of problems and you need to make a contingency plan for this. Shouldn't happen but it can.

On 8 acres I'd say you will need to bring them in over winter especially if it's wet otherwise they will churn it up too much. And what's the market for the offspring? Sell as stores? If that's the case I would go for a continental cross.

You will need a shed and a decent handling system, supplementary feed and bedding over winter, water supply, hardstanding.

Not saying it can't be done but be prepared for it to be eye wateringly expensive and a lot more work than anticipated. Good luck. You'll need it.

 

[newbie]

Just echoing the above comments. It's a great hobby to have but it's highly unlikely to make you anything.
I am a fully qualified accountant and am lucky enough to earn enough money in 2 days to fund my hobby for the week. I would be A LOT better off working full time and keeping no animals, but hey, where's the fun in that