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Basic farming set-up

Joined Aug 2014
84 Posts | 0+
Montgomery, AL
I’m looking for a farmer that I can call to talk with.


 


I am looking to farm a herd starting out with 10 does. I have looked at just about every type and size of farm. Everybody does it differently and at different levels.


 


Recently I’m evaluating using live bucks as a primary method of breeding for our program. I realize the pros and cons of this, but would really like to have a long conversation with a farmer with similar methods. My ultimate goal is to enjoy the process of farming. If I make a little money or break even I will be happy. This method seems to allow for less stress and more happy times.


 


Being new, I like the idea of live breeding because it is much less involved with a much lower learning curve. This would be a great way to introduce myself gradually to the industry.


 


Similarly, I will be leaving both does and bucks on the mother the first year. I know bottle feeding is best for many reasons, but are there any farmers who don’t bottle feed? Would love to chat with you.


 


Basically I am looking at stripping down much of the typical farming methods and going with a very basic, hands-off approach. [SIDE NOTE: I plan to eventually AI and bottle feed, so I have nothing against it]


 


Send me a private message or feel free to give your feedback below.
 
Being in Alabama you can only buy in Alabama.  I would not buy from too many farms and try to keep it to a minimum due to the fact if someone gets CWD or is a traceback you could be involved also.  Do your homework on the farm(s) you buy from and make sure they don't buy from every farm in the state.  If a herd becomes quarantined it is for 5 years or until they give up the exposed animal, so if they chose not to give up the animal you are quarantined too.   The more you buy from the greater the opportunity for that to happen.  LOTS to think about right now if you're getting in the business right now.
 
Every farm in Alabama is equally connected. We've been closed border since the seventies so every farm and deer in the state are connected. If one farm shows up we are all involved regardless if you bought deer from the affected farm.
 
I like your suggestion of limiting your herd's exposure, not just for CWD reasons. I will be sure and know where any deer come from before the step in the pen.


 


Regarding a single breeder for 10 does, you will eventually have to cross out - right? Can you alternate years between two breeder bucks and be ok? Or would that line be too tight? Maybe you can get fortunate and have a nice yearling born that can mix things up.


 


All the input I can get is helpful.


 


Jason: What do you think will happen if/when CWD hits our state.
 
Some of the most current research out there says that Atypical strains of CWD are possibly in Alabama and every state with a large deer population. They surface spontaneously. There are plenty of other routes by which the prion could have made its way into Alabama such as feed and hay.

T-flat

I would outcross and bring in new genetics by AI once your foundation doe herd is established. Buying all of your foundation from one herd will limit exposure.