Contacting Breeders?

[CowboysKat]

Hello everyone! 
First of all, I wanted to thank all of you for the informative posts! I'm a total beginner when it comes to cattle (I've raised and show other large livestock), and this forum has helped me SO much! I think I've read almost every thread! (lol)
Okay, so my question is how do you suggest finding a breeder?
To elaborate, I know of about 15 breeders in my State, however, I don't know exactly when or how I should contact them? (If that makes sense?)  ;D
So, first of all, this wouldn't be for this year (I'll be looking for a steer to show at my county fair as a 4-Her in 2017) so am I looking way to early? Or should I contact people now to see if they will be breeding in the time period I need, will have something in my price range, etc.? I just don't want to be scrambling at the last minute, and I like to plan things well in advance! When I do contact breeders, should I call, email, go in person, or something else? Also, what are the proper things to say? Do I mention my budget first, or save that for later? Should I tell them my goals, prior experiences, etc. or get to the point?
So, to all of the exhibitors: what do you do? And to all of the breeders: what do you prefer? 
Thank you so much in advance! I just want to make sure I go about things properly! 

 

[vc]

Welcome, right now most places are selling calves for the 2016 show season, (unless you have a real early fair  the calf you will be showing has not been calved yet) so I would think it would not hurt to do a little visiting this year just to see how things are run, looks for sale in your area and go as a spectator.
If buying from a show calf operation, look for the place that takes time with each customer and is helpful, some places are more helpful the more you are going to spend, look for the place that is just as helpful to someone looking at a 2000 dollar steer as they are with the person buying a 6000 dollar steer. When you get ready next year to buy a calf you will at least know how things go in your area. If the places are purebred or commercial operations and not club calf producers, it might not hurt to do a little research to see who might be willing to work with you. If you know what your budget for a calf is, look for the calves selling in that range as well as were you may get a better calf for your buck.

Hope this helps.
 

 

[jbzdad]

are you going to need help/instruction on feeding, halter training and fitting?
how about trailering

some breeders could be more hands on than others regarding that..

.what state are you in

Your ag or 4-H advisor could steer you also.. plan on taking at least 3-4 years to learn/work your way into the business... don't try to buy that great calf and compete the first years... get something you like and can afford and plan on some learning time

 

[CowboysKat]

Thank you for the replies! 

VC- My fair will be mid to late August of 2017, so I think I'll try observing how things go this year! That makes perfect sense, I am hoping to find a breeder who is willing to help advise me a bit!

Jbzdad- I will definitely be needing help in those areas!!! I'm in CA; do you have any particular breeders you would recommend? Also, I'm not looking for a Grand Champion steer just yet, maybe in the future  (lol), but for now I'm just hoping to learn a lot, enjoy raising a steer, try my hand at fitting, and work on showmanship *my all time favorite thing to show in, so pointers and tips on that are always welcomed!  *

Thanks again!

 

[jbzdad]

I don't know anybody in California that would know the breeders in the area... if I was ever to get to the west 1/3 of the states and wanted to know about honest cattle I would call Gib Yardley.. He will know every breeder in that part of the world and could steer you the right way... I suggest you find someone who is just selling a few (like 20 or less) so they will have more time to work with you

I'll bet you a steak dinner Mr Yardley will talk with you and will give good advise


Gib Yardley
P.O. Box 288, Beaver, UT 84713
Home: 435-438-2424
Cell: 435-310-0041

 

[Steve123]

You are off to a great start and this is a perfect resource for you.  A quick place to find breeders in your area is go to Showsteers.com and search your state.  I would send them all an email or better yet, a letter, no one does that anymore and it will show you are sincere.  Tell them your story and provide your contact information. Also, develop a relationship with some older 4-Her's that have been successful in CA (facebook, twitter) Schnoor sisters come to mind immediately, and ask them for advice.

Never be afraid to introduce yourself to someone (7 degrees of separation).  They all love to talk show cattle and 90% of them love to help and give advice.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[vc]

Colburn Cattle Company in Visalia, you can call them to see their cattle, walk through the calves, ask all the questions you have, they have good cattle and are great people, ask for Matt.
Matt Avila: 559-967-4599

They are having their Customer Appreciation event on Halloween day, people will sort through the cattle, then eat a steak dinner and listen to live music on Saturday, then their online sale is Monday. They also sell calves private treaty.
If your in the Central Valley you have a lot of places to visit, most of them will be with you from the beginning to end of your project.

 

[BroncoFan]

I don't know anybody in California that would know the breeders in the area... if I was ever to get to the west 1/3 of the states and wanted to know about honest cattle I would call Gib Yardley.. He will know every breeder in that part of the world and could steer you the right way... I suggest you find someone who is just selling a few (like 20 or less) so they will have more time to work with you

I'll bet you a steak dinner Mr Yardley will talk with you and will give good advise


Gib Yardley
P.O. Box 288, Beaver, UT 84713

I second calling Gib Yardley.  I have talked to him a few times and he will listen to what you need and will give great advise.
Home: 435-438-2424
Cell: 435-310-0041

 

[Ms Ray]

What area in Ca are you?  There are many great breeders who will help Silva Cattle is in Kingsburg and has a sale in a few weeks Randy is very good at helping, Bright and Leo also has a sale coming up.  There are many more.

 

[vc]

CowboysKat, I forgot to mention that the customer application day is open to all FFA and 4H members, all you have to do is go on to their website and register if you would like to attend. There will be a clipping clinic put on by Dave Guyer as well.

Copy of the flier
http://www.colburncattle.com/recentads/2015/colburn-ps-aug2015.pdf

 

[CowboysKat]

Hello again, thanks for all of the great replies! 

Jbzdad- Hahaha, thanks! I will definitely try contacting him soon!

Steve123- Thanks! I just checked Showsteers.com and I found a few more breeders I hadn't heard of to add to my "look into" list! The letter is a fabulous idea! Introducing myself to highly successful cattle showmen is a little intimidating, by I'll certainly give it a try!  (lol)

Vc- I've heard a lot about Colburn Cattle, and I've also heard about their sale/customer appreciation day, but I wasn't sure if it was open to just anyone, or only previous buyers. But since its open to all 4-H and FFA members, I'm going to look into it; I think I would be a great way to see how this all kind of works! Thanks for the flyer!

Broncofan- I'll be contacting him soon, thanks for the second! 

Ms Ray- I'm in Southern California, about an hour and a half south of Bakersfield, but I'm willing to travel.