New entrant looking for advice

[Murdoch]

Looking for advice on starting a calf rearing enterprise. I’ve done my sums and I think I can make it work but need some advice on a few things. I’ve yet to secure any land but I have a couple of leads.
I’m based in central Scotland and the calves will be bought at a few weeks of age and kept till 3/4 months old.


Stock holding number? I’ve read that I don’t need one unless they’re born on the property and that I just have to notify bcms of there movement. Is this true for Scotland?

I’ve read on here I believe that calf prices are currently quite cheep. I’ve tried to find some actually reports but most market seems to be older cattle although sell my livestock was of some help. The last time I worked in the uk we were selling young (2 week old) Friesan calves for £50 and Hereford cross for £100-120, would this still be about right? They were out of friesan, jersey cross cows.

Also the cost of renting land. I’ve seen prices anywhere from £100-200 per acre.
Anyone care to comment on that?

Is there anything else I should consider?

 

[Hfd Cattle]

Looking for advice on starting a calf rearing enterprise. I’ve done my sums and I think I can make it work but need some advice on a few things. I’ve yet to secure any land but I have a couple of leads.
I’m based in central Scotland and the calves will be bought at a few weeks of age and kept till 3/4 months old.


Stock holding number? I’ve read that I don’t need one unless they’re born on the property and that I just have to notify bcms of there movement. Is this true for Scotland?

I’ve read on here I believe that calf prices are currently quite cheep. I’ve tried to find some actually reports but most market seems to be older cattle although sell my livestock was of some help. The last time I worked in the uk we were selling young (2 week old) Friesan calves for £50 and Hereford cross for £100-120, would this still be about right? They were out of friesan, jersey cross cows.

Also the cost of renting land. I’ve seen prices anywhere from £100-200 per acre.
Anyone care to comment on that?

Is there anything else I should consider?

The biggest thing I would consider is ........is there something else I could be doing ?

 

[Werzle]

Looking for advice on starting a calf rearing enterprise. I’ve done my sums and I think I can make it work but need some advice on a few things. I’ve yet to secure any land but I have a couple of leads.
I’m based in central Scotland and the calves will be bought at a few weeks of age and kept till 3/4 months old.


Stock holding number? I’ve read that I don’t need one unless they’re born on the property and that I just have to notify bcms of there movement. Is this true for Scotland?

I’ve read on here I believe that calf prices are currently quite cheep. I’ve tried to find some actually reports but most market seems to be older cattle although sell my livestock was of some help. The last time I worked in the uk we were selling young (2 week old) Friesan calves for £50 and Hereford cross for £100-120, would this still be about right? They were out of friesan, jersey cross cows.

Also the cost of renting land. I’ve seen prices anywhere from £100-200 per acre.
Anyone care to comment on that?

Is there anything else I should consider?

Care to share your sums so we can see what you think these calves will make when sold and what the costs are to rear them? Imo calves worth rearing will cost on av £180 and if reared tidy will make £365 at 5-6mths. Friesians at 5-6mths weaned will make £200 at the very most. Most calves need a bag and half of milk powder at £40/bag