"We learned a lot from our mistakes along the way." In this candid episode of Horns n Hooves, Taylor and Lori dive into the expensive, often unexpected lessons they learned when starting their cattle operations. They share essential, real-talk advice on hidden costs like vet bills and feed, the critical need for shade and water for Highland cattle, the importance of quality stock, and the non-negotiable step of BVD testing to protect your herd. Get the insider information you wish you had before bringing home your first calf!

Key Takeaways

• The Hidden Costs of Cattle Ownership - Beyond the upfront purchase price of a calf or cow, you must budget for major unexpected expenses like vet bills (for C-sections, scours, etc.), vitamins, and mineral supplements.
• Feed Costs and Environmental Impact - Don't underestimate the expense of hay, especially in the winter or during dry years when you're feeding hay all year. Also, understand how many acres you need and be prepared for higher costs when grass isn't available.
• The Critical Need for Shade and Water - Highland cattle, in particular, need shade in the summer, often retreating to trees or creeks during the heat of the day. When buying land, prioritize features like ponds and trees, as shade is necessary.
• Investment in Quality Stock and Insurance - Spending the money on good stock is crucial to avoid issues with "crap cows" and breeding problems.
• Calving Season and Fly Strike - Avoid prime summertime calves due to the extreme heat, which causes distress to both cows and calves. Calving in the summer also brings the real and dangerous threat of Fly Strike, which can happen fast and be fatal.
• BVD Testing is Non-Negotiable - Always BVD test any new animal coming onto your property, especially since cattle can be "shedders" of the virus (BVD PI) without showing any signs or symptoms. Quarantine bred cows until they calve and the calf tests negative, as BVD PI has no cure and can be passed to an unborn calf during the first 100 days of gestation.
• The Importance of a Great Vet and Setup - Find a large animal vet willing to work with miniatures and who offers 24/7 on-call service, as emergencies can happen quickly.

Episode Breakdown

• Unexpected and hidden costs of starting with cattle (Vet bills, vitamins, minerals)
• The high cost of feed and hay, especially in winter or drought conditions
• The essential need for shade and water for Highlands (trees, creeks, ponds)
• Lessons on bull management and the importance of insuring high-value cattle
• The value of having a proper chute and head gate before calving season starts
• The dangers of summer calving: heat and the deadly threat of Fly Strike
• BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) and BVD PI (Persistently Infected) testing requirements
• Finding a great vet who will work with your miniature/Highland herd

Horns & Hooves First Online Auction!

Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our Horns & Hooves Online Auction happening on Sunday, November 16th.

Lori (Creekside Highland Haven) and Taylor (Hauser Homestead) have curated an incredible lineup for this special event, featuring micro, mini, and mid-sized Registered and high-park Highland cattle. You can check out videos and photos of the auction lineup and find the direct auction link on our social media pages soon.

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