When the Covid virus exposed vulnerabilities in the nation's meat supply chain, it sparked some folks' interest in raising their own, home raised beef. Perhaps you are one of them. Maybe your child is interested in raising a 4-H or FFA bottle calf project. Maybe you are new to the food self-reliant lifestyle and are looking for help getting started. Maybe you are just looking for a less expensive way to fill your freezer. If you have an interest in raising a bottle calf to fill your freezer, this book is for you!
From Bottle Calf to Beef Filled Freezer guides the reader through the process of raising a baby dairy breed calf from the day he leaves his mother cow all the way through to beef safely stored in the home freezer. The easy to follow, step by step instructions are designed to be a beginner's guide, providing the information and tools necessary to make their beef raising project a success. Heck, you might even know the difference between a cow, calf, bull or steer. This is the perfect book for you. Well, I definitely know the difference and you will too after reading this concise, easy to read book. I think you will find it a learning experience you will enjoy!
The book guides the reader through all the steps necessary from project pre-planning to preparing a cut and wrap order for the butcher. Some of the issues addressed include:
Why raise a freezer beef?
How much is this going to cost me?
What dairy breed calf will best fit my beef project goals?
What supplies will I need?
How do I plan and prepare for the calf's arrival?
What questions do I need to ask the calf seller?
How do I recognize and treat calf health issues?
Do I need to castrate and dehorn my calf?
Should I raise grass fed or grass and grain fed/grain finished beef?
How much and what should I feed?
How do I decide how to have my beef cut?
This book covers it and does so in a fun and non-intimidating manner!
Step by step instructions are provided to help you estimate the cost of producing your own beef. An estimate worksheet is included that will enable the reader to personally project their own costs. A prepared sample worksheet is also provided as an example. The sample beef cut and wrap order form will help you prepare for the beef cutting questions that the butcher will ask on harvest day.
The author, Leeann Ulics Moos, has over 40 years of experience working in the commercial dairy production and finance fields. Since childhood she has raised much of the beef, pork and poultry products served on her family's dinner table, a tradition her family continues to this day. Her life-long experience is a valuable asset for folks interested in raising their own meat.
