From Bottle Calf to Beef Filled Freezer guides the reader thru the process of raising a newborn dairy breed calf all the way through to beef safely stored in the home freezer. The easy to follow, step by step instructions are designed to provide the beginner with the information and tools necessary to make their beef raising project a success.
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? What dairy breed calf will best fit my beef project goals? How do I plan and prepare for the calf's arrival? What supplies will I need? 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? What can I do to reduce my feed cost? Should I raise grass fed or grass and grain fed/grain finished beef? How do I estimate and schedule a harvest date? How do I decide how to have my beef cut? This book covers it and does so in a fun and non-intimidating manner.
The author, Leeann Ulics Moos, has over 40 years experience working in the commercial dairy production and finance fields. Since childhood she has raised much of the beef and pork served on her family dinner table. Her life-long experience is a valuable asset for folks interested in raising their own beef.
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 to use as an example. The sample beef cut and wrap order form will help the reader prepare for the beef cutting questions that the butcher will ask on harvest day.
When the Covid virus exposed vulnerabilities in the nation's meat supply chain, it sparked some folks' interest in raising their own beef. Perhaps you are one of those folks. Maybe you are looking for a family friendly project that the whole family will enjoy and learn from. Maybe you are new to the food self-reliant lifestyle and am 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!
