Cows

Typically. . . . .  or the last two years, I don't want you to think we have been doing this for 15 years or something, we purchase two bottle calves usually a week or two old.  Then we raise them for 1 1/2 years and then butcher them.  Or at least that was the original plan.  However this year it has been difficult to find a dairy/beef cross like we got last year.  Prices on calves are about double what they were last year, even when you look at the auctions they are showing twice what they were a year ago.  Here are some recent pics of last years calves, Oreo (black one), and Burger (Brown one):

Oreo is pretty friendly and does not mind a neck scratch, but Burger always keeps his distance unless you have something that really looks yummy.

A couple of people have asked why we don't just get a heifer and breed her so we don't have to buy baby calves or do the bottle feedings.  And with the prices of cows being really high right now, we might consider looking into that option.  I have been looking into Dexter cows which are a smaller breed and are a good dual purpose cow.

Note the cows out the window.  During the winter we ran a electric wire up closer to the house and let them eat the grass down, however it is kind of startling to see them right outside the window.
I have found a farm nearby that raises Dexter's and they have invited us over to talk Cows and see what Dexters are like and if they are a good fit for our Homestead.  Hopefully we will be able to take them up on the soon.