How to Buy Calves

Choose healthy calves that suit your needs.

Starting your own farm takes money and hard work. It typically means getting up early and working long days. Whether you start a hobby farm or a for-profit farm, you must stock it with the appropriate livestock such as horses, calves, pigs or chickens. Buying calves requires attention to detail, the willingness to pay for decent stock and the time to care for each calf.

Instructions

1. Know the breed of calf you want. Buy calves that cater to what you need. Certain types of calves cost more than typical dairy calves. Determine how much money you want to spend for your calves and how many calves you need. Look for calves according to your budget.

2. Check your local newspaper under the buying and selling classifieds. Cattle farmers often list calves for sale in the animal section. Write down the numbers of a few local farmers, the type of calves they sell and the age of the calves.

3. Contact the local farmers and ask as many questions as you can. Start by asking if the calves are weaned and how old they are. Ask how much the female and male calves, knowing that there will be a difference. Male calves are cheaper than female calves. Write down detailed information as you talk to each farmer.

4. Look at local online ads for other cattle farmers. Write down the contact information and ask the same questions.

5. Call back the cattle farmer that meets your requirements.

6. Look over the calves before you purchase them. Look for signs of illness, malformation and genetic disorders. Ask the farmer about lineage, parental health and any prior complications with other calves from the same mother.

7. Negotiate your price and date of pick-up or drop off.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the farmer's contact information handy after purchasing your calves. This is in case there are any complications or if you decide to buy more calves in the future.

• Always choose cattle that are suitable for the environmental conditions for where you live.

• Ask the farmer what veterinarian they use. Using the same veterinarian makes handling any complications easier because the veterinarian will already know the medical history of the parents.

• Calves are typically cheaper in the fall than in the spring.

• Never buy calves without looking them over.

References

• Oklahoma State University; Buying a Bucket Calf; David Pace
• Country Side Mag; Pasture and Cattle; Ken Scharabok
• Hobby Farms; To Be or Not to Be a Livestock Owner; Sue Weaver

Resources

• Southern States: Starting a Small Hobby Farm