Ranchwabble’s Blog

Let me know if you like the logo.  I can build others logos for cheaper that most places too.  I can also post your logo for your farm here too, so you can get more exposure.  How ever I can help.  Just comment here or find me on Facebook or Twitter.

U.S. farms are diverse, ranging from small retirement and residential farms to enterprises with annual sales in the millions. Nevertheless, most U.S. farms—98 percent in 2004—are family farms. Even the largest farms tend to be family farms. Large-scale family farms and nonfamily farms account for 10 percent of U.S farms, but 75 percent of the value of production. In contrast, small family farms make up most of the U.S. farm count, produce a modest share of farm output, and receive substantial off-farm income. Many farm households have a large net worth, reflecting the land-intensive nature of farming. http://www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB24/

Here is a short little montage of our farm.  Both my wife and I work in Denver and we drive 62 miles one way to get there.  We are expanding next year, producing quality organic food that we hope to share with our community.  It doesn’t pay the bills yet but we love taking care of the animals and the land.

Why are family farms important?
In addition to producing fresh, nutritious, high-quality foods, small family farms provide a wealth of benefits for their local communities and regions.

Perhaps most importantly, family farmers serve as responsible stewards of the land. Unlike industrial agriculture operations, which pollute communities with chemical pesticides, noxious fumes and excess manure, small family farmers live on or near their farms and strive to preserve the surrounding environment for future generations. Since these farmers have a vested interest in their communities, they are more likely to use sustainable farming techniques to protect natural resources and human health.  http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/familyfarms/

Today there are industrial farms creating the food we eat in a factory like environment. Most people get their food from companies like Tyson and Land O Lakes, but those huge companies are not the only place that food comes from.  It comes from hard working people around the world just like you and I.  Post some proof on our Facebook page so others can see where food really comes from.  We’ve set up the page so you can post your own photos and links.  Either you are a rancher or farmer or you know one so let’s see the posts!

All you have to do is go to this link http://tinyurl.com/yhz3786 . If you are not already a fan then become one and show every one about some real family run farms.

Following is a great article By Miranda Reiman, Certified Angus Beef, about creating a higher price for your product.  I loves auctions.  They can be alot of fun, and not so much.  Like miranda says, “all you need is 2 buyers” going after the same thing and you’re golden.  I believe in a world that brings in those buyers.  I don’t think we should stop at 2 or 5.  I think we can bring in many more if we go about it the right way.

ranchwabble.com will help you do it soon…

I know how it feels when only 1 buyer wants what I’m selling.  That’s why I plan to create a new way for us to do business.  Money should be coming in multiple streams, and it will.  Here is the rest of the article:

Going once, going twice . . .

Sold. That word can be cause for celebration or the beginning of a personal pity party. It all depends on what dollar amount follows that auctioneer’s decree.

Studies have found and quantified just about everything that can make you more money at the salebarn or on the video auction: Lot size, breed type, sex, preconditioning program and many more – including your reputation. Each variable affects the price your feeder calves bring.

You control the lion’s share of those variables, although it may seem like you’re at the mercy of the market. Even that basic price risk may be tamed with some price hedging and seasonal strategies, but the point is to make sure you’re topping the day’s trade instead of selling at the bottom.

Give feeders an irresistible product.

A “Silencer” chute sells at a premium to one carrying an unknown brand name. A custom saddle maker might be in high demand because of his workmanship, even if he charges hundreds more than the competition. Full-quill ostrich boots or a loaded King Ranch Edition Ford F-250 hold first-class appeal with many farmers and ranchers.

These products have become enticing for two reasons: quality and a good reputation. Their high price tag can be attributed to the fact that more than one person has come to hold them in high regard.

Your calves need those same elements, come sale time.

If your “fancy” calves look good, they might get the bids one year, but for a buyer to return they must perform, too. Looks alone don’t pay the feed bills. Those calves might fetch a decent price for a few years going to different buyers, but poor results eventually catch up to you. As technology makes the world ever smaller, it doesn’t take as long for word to travel.

If your calves hit all the targets, this “small-world” theory can work in your favor. Your reputation for good, quality calves could build faster and attract more bidders each year. And that’s the ultimate goal, right?

You need at least two buyers with good experiences in order to get competition and drive price.

If you sell your cattle as feeders, you may think “pounds at weaning” is the only profitability indicator, but think of your customers and what’s important to them. Sure, pounds matter, but so does gain, efficiency, health, quality grade and a host of other factors. Maybe grids don’t even cross your mind, but having knowledge of fed-cattle marketing methods keeps you grounded in the sector that is buying your product.

Take that a step further. Keeping up with consumer trends will help you see what the end users are demanding. Don’t let all the gloom and doom stories convince you the consumer’s taste buds have changed. They still want flavorful beef that consistently delivers top value for their dollar. What they want is what the entire beef industry needs to produce, and you’re one of the first links in the chain.

The good news is that the market shares those rewards back through the information and bidding system, so it’s financially beneficial for you to care – even if you sell at weaning.

That’s where the competition for your calves heats up.

If you pay attention to all of that, you’re sure to garner more interest when you’re ready to sell your calf crop this year and beyond.

Sold? That’s a reason to celebrate.

origional post : http://farmandranchguide.com/articles/2009/08/04/ag_news/livestock_news/live2.txt