The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: MrsJ on August 09, 2012, 11:20:18 am

Title: Cost of running with the bull?
Post by: MrsJ on August 09, 2012, 11:20:18 am
We have recently bought two Herefords.  They are lovely looking girls and hopefully will gradually replace our Dexters.  A friendly farmer offered to let them run with his herd, including his pedigree Aberdeen Angus bull for a few weeks.  He won't charge us anything but we would like to get him a gift.  However, I have no idea what it would normally cost to run the girls with a bull.  I don't want to embarass him (the farmer, not the bull!) or us by getting it wrong.  So, the question is, can anyone tell me what it would normally cost?
Title: Re: Cost of running with the bull?
Post by: SallyintNorth on August 09, 2012, 01:47:43 pm
Congratulations on your new girls.  We'd love to see pics...  ;D

I would expect your friendly farmer would find a bottle of Scotch (Famous Grouse is usually the favourite hereabouts) very acceptable.  ;)  And a homemade cake or similar always goes down well, if you are that way inclined.

His costs will be minimal, since they'll be at grass.  You're saving a couple of AI fees, so a bottle of nice Scotch and a cake is about right, I'd think.
Title: Re: Cost of running with the bull?
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on August 09, 2012, 02:58:07 pm
Agree with Sally, theres very few who dont appreciate a nip or a nibble up here. Proper fruit cake has had top reception from my recipients, followed oddly by iced fairy cakes (I think they make a good fly (teatime snackie) when they have been out in the fields.
We follow it up with another bottle of Scotch at Christmas or Hogmanay.
 
 
 
Title: Re: Cost of running with the bull?
Post by: mark@farmhouse on August 10, 2012, 07:43:52 pm
Yes a nice bottle of your choice would go down well that is what we give and have received for use we were very pleased also offer of help at busy time of year would also be welcomed
Title: Re: Cost of running with the bull?
Post by: MrsJ on August 12, 2012, 02:44:38 pm
Thanks for that.  We usually give him a bottle of malt for letting a few of our ewes run with his ram but thought that the cost of cattle would be much higher.  Good idea about the cake, home made things always go down well.