FAQ
Can you deliver?
Yes, we can deliver to anywhere within 150 miles from our facility for $1.50/loaded mile. If the trip is farther than 150 miles we can help arrange the services of a local cowboy/hauler and it is on a cse by case basis depnding on the distance and the number of heads. They charge anywhere between $2.00-$3.50/loaded mile.
Do you guarantee your bulls to be fertile?
Yes, our weanling and yearling bulls come with a fertility guarantee. When the bull comes of age, you can have him fertility tested by a licensed veterinarian. If the bull does not pass a fertility test, you can return him to us for a full refund. We have the right to have our local vet perform a fertility test as well prior to refund. If the bull is of age, we have their fertility and soundness exams performed prior to selling.
Are your bulls guaranteed virgin?
Yes, yearling, and becoming of age bulls all come with a virgin certificate. They are kept at a different location than the cows and heifers.
How do you wean your cattle?
To wean our cattle we utilize nose paddles. A nose paddle allows the calf to remain at the mamas side, but would prevent the calf from nursing. Within a week to 10 days, the mama cow dries up. This method reduces the stress on the mama cow as well as the baby calf. It helps them to maintain their weight and performance better by eliminating balling and walking fence lines.
When I buy a registered animal, how do I get the certificate transferred into my name?
We handle all transfer certificates and associated fees on behalf of our buyers. You will receive your new certificate within 3 weeks of the purchase date, many times much sooner depending on the associations intake at the time.
How do you classify Open, Exposed and Bred Cattle?
OPEN Females: Heifers and Cows that have been separated from bulls since last calving season or weaning.
EXPOSED Females: Heifers and Cows that have been in a pasture with a bull for any amount of time.
BRED Females: Any Exposed female that has been checked in at least one of three ways: palpation, ultrasound, blood test. Most often, we preg check our cows with Ultrasound and Blood.
Do you guarantee OPEN Heifers?
While we can never insure 100% that we have not had any visitors from a neighboring pasture, we take certain measures to separate heifers from bulls at a very early age. Ultrasound check to ensure OPEN, is available upon request for an additional fee.
What is your Vaccination Program?
We vaccinate every fall and spring. The regular seasonal vaccinations are Blackleg, Virus Shield, Dewormer and fly spray. At the same time, teeth are checked on cows over 5 years of age.
In addition, we give Brucella Abortus to all heifers age 6-12 months during each seasonal vaccinations. They are then given a booster of Brucella Abortus at one year out from the time it was intially given.
Do you Brand your cattle?
Yes, in order to register with the associations, cattle must be branded with at minimum a Private Herd Number. In addition, we Brand with our Ranch Brand.
Are your Cattle De-horned?
We use a process called disbudding with an electric disbudder/dehorner. Disbudding is a different process with similar results as dehorning; it cauterizes and thus destroys horn buds before they have grown into horns. Disbudding is commonly performed early in an animal's life and is much less stressful on the animal than actual dehorning. We also have some cattle that are Polled.
Do you keep records on your animals?
Yes, We have a very detailed record keeping system.
We utilize a software called CattleMax. An animal's record is created on the day they are born. We record Dam, Sire, Weight and sex, and assign an eartag and Private Herd #.
After that, all significant data such as vaccinations, Disbudding, castration, branding, weaning date and weight, Yearling Date and weight, exposure to bull, ultrasound, Blood test, calving date, scrotum measurements, movement from one pasture to another, etc. are recorded.