This is forcing small farms out of business? Quit now or go broke?

This is forcing small farms out of business? Quit now or go broke? Come along with me today as I take you along rounding up the cows and selling some at the stockyard....only to be disappointed and lose money
TOOLS/GOODIES FROM THIS AND PAST VIDEOS ON MY AMAZON PAGE HERE: www.amazon.com... (Stoney Ridge Amazon Affiliate Page)
Follow the Farm on Facebook:
/ stoneyridgefarmer
Instagram: / stoneyridgefarmer
TYM Tractors: tym.world/en-us/
Join The Superfans! Monthly Donations to help Feed the Animals here: www.paypal.com...
Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Affiliate Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This Video is for entertainment purposes only.
Stoney Ridge Farmer videos may contain paid sponsorships.

[@thestudystrategist2219]

Beautiful cows, it’s nice to see how well cared for they are on SRF.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

thank you so much...I work really hard to make sure they have a good place to live

[@williambirks4168]

hey bud wonding how old was your calves you sold

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer it shows...very well maintained...no flies either.

[@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer look into Joel Salatin’s methods. Look how many cows per acre and how often he moves them!

[@bycracky22]

If you want to be a millionaire raising cows...start with 2 million.

[@swingingm]

We started selling grass fed beef direct to customers 8 months ago and we have NEVER been more profitable. My brother and I see a bright future ahead for us. And our customers REALLY appreciate the products we bring to the market. Every rancher needs to be doing this.

[@staralioflundnv]

Don't know IF this exists because I've been out of the game for 16 years, but it wouId heIp those who do direct market to have a type of regionaI directory so that those who wish to buy (there are many these days) can find, go purchase directIy with those who seII the meat in their area or region so that meat can be transported in shorter distance for Iess cost and more safeIy. IF you know of a directory, I wouId be most gratefuI if you couId kindIy share that information with me. Best regards, Star

[@KittraKittra]

That’s why our government has come down hard on organic farmers/cattle ranchers in Pennsylvania. They do not want farm to consumer profits without taking their cut.

[@ceeemm1901]

That's because there's a sucker born every minute....Pet Rocks anyone? God, what next? Japanese cows that are massaged and fed beer? Hahahaha, as if.....

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Indeed. Great choice Ranch Hand.

[@cherryfressh6188]

My point exactly. Better beef and more profit. A great selling point. Don't know about state or nation wide but I got one farmer nearby who sells the meat of his cows in his own shop. He just placed a sign on the side of the road which promotes his meat and has his own shop with an own butcher. All clean and regulated according to the regulations. The cows are next to the road you have to use to get to the shop. So you see what you are buying.

[@itsrob2321]

I agree that direct to public is the way to go. I’m no expert, but we need to circle the wagons in the farm and ranch communities and make sure the corporations and the government don’t bankrupt everyone. Blessings to you folks.

[@campingrounds]

Josh, I am looking forward to seeing SRF transition to a new business model. I think you are on the right track! Direct to consumer, farm to table, whatever you want to call it. Now, it’s up to us spectators to support our local growers in a big way! After seeing this video I am more committed than ever to ‘buy local’!

[@paulross2979]

If you follow the money you'll see the farmer or rancher isn't paid well for their product. The middleman is who makes the profit. The end seller aka the store is lucky to make 10-20 % off of what they sell.

[@ky.gambler5281]

The USDA has a big hand in this. Farmers can only butcher to eat, not sell to the public, thanks to our government.

[@paulross2979]

@@ky.gambler5281 they can be certified to butcher and sell to the public.

[@rickylowry608]

That's the next hurtle to over come. The USDA GOOD LUCK in your new venture. 👍

[@robertdean3872]

Shake the hand of the farmer that feeds you! This is a quote used by Red Hills Rancher podcast run by Brian Alexander. Great Podcast.

[@ryancooper2826]

Operations like yours are the backbone of our country, and it's a travesty that you have to work so hard for so little. All these large corporations own our country, and they set the prices as they please to make huge profits while small family owned farms struggle. You definitely have the dedication to make it through! Keep on grinding, and you'll see your vision come to life! You still have one of the best channels on here!

[@edherrmann182]

Josh , I’ve been farming my entire adult life and the truth you shared is what makes it all worth it. The vertical integration of the entire meat packing industry makes it an up hill battle for survival. I learned 20 years ago that direct marketing was the only way to survive. I was in the hog business until 2000. I’ve learned since then that meat animals was a hard dirty business that requires a producer to think outside the box. Way back in 2000 I shifted strategy from meat animals to fruit and produce. I’ve been direct marketing since the 90’s. Off farm employment helped a lot too. But one thing every farmer holds true to heart is the love of land, diversification and family lifestyle. So it’s about faith, family, and freedom and those of us that farm never forget that. Keep up your videos young farm wanna bes need to see what’s at stake.

[@Brett235]

If you don't have a lot of money going into it or you didn't inherit the farm then it's almost impossible to make a living doing it, or to justify being poor because of the love of the lifestyle.

[@joenewmeyer8358]

this generation z crowd is the beginning of the fully woke society. Democrats have known since Clinton our school system has been brainwashing the kids. Let there be no doubts, the Democrats have this all planned out. Obama started the heavily armed federal agencies and now 22,000 submachine guns to the USDA, 68,000 more armed IRS agents, 4 million illegals that somehow will be allowed to vote, forget how many rounds of ammo they bought this year alone, not locking bad criminals up in prison. can keep going on. People need to see whats going on. the free ride people are so weak minded they can be bought. starving the people will help them.

[@BowenOrg]

@@Brett235 WITH ALL DUE RESPECT; YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY WRONG! LOOK UP GABE BROWN AND REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE ON KZbin TODAY, WATCH 10 TO 20 VIDEOS, AND HE'LL SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN BE PROFITABLE.... AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE PLANET! Gabe "manages", aka consults to farmers across the USA WITH OVER 22 MILLION ACRES... SO HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT! He also owns 5,000 acres in N. Dakota for the last 20 years and went through hell and back (hail, droughts etc) AND NOW HE'S VERY VERY PROFITABLE! Farmers have to change the way they think and do things and Gabe shows them how! Amen Retired, Veteran

[@jimoconnor6850]

Farmers have always been a "price taker". Work all year, and somebody tells you what they will pay you for your product?! You are correct to diversify and direct market. You should be commended for your strength and perseverance and sharing your knowledge. Keep up the great content. Thanks

[@CannFarms]

Josh, what we’ve learned is the sweet spot weight wise for cattle is 500-650 lbs. The way things are going a lot of us small timers aren’t going to make it. The drought this year has been horrible.

[@lorenmorrison3402]

i agree, that has been what we have targeted as long as i can remember. the price per lb is still high, and they are heavy enough to net around $900. this should allow you to have them on pasture still without feeding them hay.

[@thestudystrategist2219]

SRF, your hard work shows in what you do. I think that your “thinking outside the box” is where it’s at. Your mega shop, direct marketing, butcher shop on your own property has tons of potential. You’ve made investments in all the equipment and have laid a great foundation…great things take time to build. Even sharing the knowledge of farming with school groups/homeschool groups could be a profitable side idea. Amazing lifestyle you are creating for yourself, SRF.

[@David-bs7wy]

Don't worry The government will shut you down. Hope I'm WRONG

[@jeffjones47]

I’m interested in following your new business model. I have most of the infrastructure in place to start this on our farm. I have heard it said that it takes at least 200 head of cows to make it profitable. This is selling off the current year’s calves at market prices. Thanks Josh for helping the small family farm survive.

[@KnowWhoYouBe]

Thanks

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

thank you!

[@urspecial2me]

Farmers like you, Josh, is what makes America such a great nation. I am a teacher and I love teaching. I will not be rich, but at least I am doing what I love. When I teach kids about careers, I will tell them about your experience. Love your channel bud! Whatever and the little SRF’s?

[@hunterroberts4581]

We converted our operation into a Registered herd. It differentiated our business from commercial producers and we sell most everything off the farm.

[@bg8896]

Josh I hope others appreciate your honesty as much as I do. Your passion is priceless thank you for what you do it is so helpful to those of us starting out. B

[@BelowAverageBowHunter]

You're 100% on the mark, Josh. Direct marketing to the end consumer is the future of the successful family farm. Consumers are becoming more and more interested in where their food comes from and purchasing locally sourced products so the demand is there. Keep putting out the great content! I always look forward to catching your videos.

[@RenewedHomestead]

Your cows are beautiful! I was going to ask about sheep but you just talked about them. I have read that they are more profitable. We will be leasing our friend’s land and will be running sheep on it. A lot of people don’t rotationally graze here in the mountains, and they are already feeding hay. Unfortunately, many have had to sell off their herds because of it. We are hoping more will start focusing on regenerative ag practices. Thanks for showing people the good, the bad, and the ugly.

[@davedavis662]

We always buy direct from the farm wherever possible, you save a TON of money. We have a stockpile against inflation and piece of mind about the product you’re purchasing. Also the relationship you build with local farmers is so important they are truly some of the finest people in the nation. Hang in there you’ve figured out how to increase your review stream, now time to capitalize on it. Good luck I hope you make a fortune.

[@eddieatkinsjr.8875]

When we sell our calves we try to sell them 550lbs.-700lbs. range. We have found that is the most profitable weight range to sell and it still gives the cows plenty of down time before the next calving season.

[@danielalamo2075]

You did much better than us. In July we sold 1 old cow. She weighed 865# and brought $.37/lb. We also sold heifers and steers 1 heifer weighed 540# and brought $1.00/lb. Same weight heifers we sold in June brought $1.61/lb. Our June steers averaged 555# and brought $1.65/lb. Same weight in July brought $1.41/lb. This really hurts. We got closer to $2/lb about 15 years ago. Then the price dropped. This year fuel costs have doubled, hay prices are double from last year and other supplement feeds/grain have tripled. We are in the central valley of California. And the irrigation water is a lot higher. I started irrigating in March. Once per month on the leased pasture until October. It costs $800-$1000 per irrigation. Also, we tried selling straight to consumer but we can't get animals butchered. It's extremely difficult. Now we only raise 2 or 3 steers for ourselves, family and close friends. And once they are ready for butcher we sometimes have to wait 4 to 6 months to get them butchered. Shops that do custom cutting and wrapping are closing or not wanting to do much work and keep raising their prices. I know for a fact that there are about 4 big companies trying to run all the small businesses out of business. Cargill, Tyson Foods, JBS and Beef Packers control up to 85% of the markets. They keep the prices low to the ranchers and high to consumers. I have seen videos and read articles about this for a few years. It's getting worse. Good luck!! We just keep trying to cut back and keep driving older vehicles. My 2004 GMC Sierra 2500hd 4x4 has over 350,000 miles. Hopefully it will keep running.

[@brucebradsher9882]

You are absolutely right Josh. All the real profit goes downstream of the farmers. Kinda the way it has been for a long time. Farm to table sales is the way to go nowadays for small to medium producers. The demand for locally grown meat is growing. Sure the investment is higher but at least you don't have to sell your product for $1.50 a pound.

[@M5MAGNUM]

It's nice to see that you have a resilient contingency plan being put into action. God Bless you, your family and your farm.

[@eagleteam2004]

Hard to compete when maybe four “big guns” control the cost. Got to believe local/regional processing is key. I think your new building is key! Good planning

[@douglasjewell9324]

Thank you, for your information and truth about small farm profitability, still trying and working a full time job, but like you said, you gotta love it.

[@randymitchell8424]

Took me 9 years after I got my first few cows to finally get to a point that I feel like I'm making a little bit. Hard to make money in the building years. The thing with farming, is it's always a building year!😅

[@jackpate6205]

Good reminder! Im 2 years in on my homestead and I tell the wife, "Yes ma'am, when we finish our infrastructure phase, it's going to be good."

[@VISNIS33]

Man I so appreciate all your information. I’m glad that I found your channel. Thank you for being honest about this.

[@bryantmoon9186]

I'm excited for you Josh! This is a blessing in disguise. Once you start butchering I'm sure you're going to have some high quality meat! I'm excited to follow along and learn.

[@jerrypelletier2328]

I have a friend who has a beef farm, Hes partners with a butcher... they sell beef right from their farm, 1/2 cow, 1/4 cow to the public, they cannot keep up with demand for grass fed grass finished. They get 8.00 per pound hanging weight.... They are always expanding; orders have to be in one year in advance.

[@jeffgootjes8418]

As soon as I saw you bringing the cows to auction I knew you’d lose money on them. You’re on the right path with direct marketing.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Josh, this video is such an eye opener for the small farm struggle. Really enjoy your honestly about costs, labor and ROI. What would a farmer do if he won $1M? Keep farming until he lost it all. Sad but true...I had to leave the farm for the Air Force to save enough money to buy our own land later in life....wish it didn't have to be that way.

[@danmanfre5209]

Hey Josh, enjoy the videos and education. Few take aways. First, you should feel good about the fact that you are making quality videos with educational content for viewers of all ages and....it's profitable. Second, with all the garbage on TV today, it's refreshing to see content that is beautiful and real. Third, you bought a piece of land that was in rough shape, to say the least, and have substantially increased its value. Forth, as long as you remain intentional with your business plans, as it appears you are, it will all work out for you in the long run. Stay positive, help others to stay positive and keep working smart. Good luck and God Bless!

[@stephendaniel168]

When we got our land it was all thicket. I could have had a guy with a forester come in and thin the thicket or in his words a “labor of love”. I went the second route and still loving and living it.

[@charleswise5570]

Josh, before you got to the part about processing yourself, I was thinking the same thing. Grass fed beef is 100% better than grain fed. In the coming months and years, I think the market is going to be much better! More sustainable too! Big meat companies are controlling the market for their benefit. Taking advantage of the American people in the process. They control the majority of supply, and they control their profit! Corporate greed, at it's finest! In the future, that business model is going to collapse. You're doing it the right way! You need to turn a profit, definitely, but not buying at wholesale and selling at rediculiously high prices! Great video Josh!

[@firstamendmenttshirt4768]

Pretty sure all small farmer could band together an run them out of town an take back what is Thiers.

[@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975]

I don’t think so! There will be famine across the world!! Just like the bible describes! Jesus is coming back, repent and prepare yourselves!

[@jed5]

Great information. Thanks for being honest and sharing the numbers with us.

[@Gilikemail]

Since you're not selling all your cattle at one time, you need to calculate your costs per cow and then compare that to what you get for each. You still have a ton of cash sitting in those pastures.

[@laurielacomb2765]

You have come up with the perfect idea that will keep you going, but guess who is coming after private farmers doing the same thing.

[@Token_Civilian]

Man, that's rough. Another channel I watch made the switch to direct to consumer for the same reason - they weren't getting enough for their feeder cattle. They built a "finishing school" and finish their own and sell direct via their farm store. Hope you can make the switch ASAP. Praying for you SRF.

[@ricksousa3932]

Good thing your have the KZbin channel.

[@magnoliagrovehomestead]

Have the droughts caused a drop in the price per pound? So many ranchers in states with severe drought, like Texas, have flooded the market with cattle. An over abundance of anything will lower the price. Once that mad rush to sell ends, we’re going to likely find a shortage of beef, then the prices are going to skyrocket.

[@runrundave]

Yes an no. Alot of the beef being sold due to drought is getting butchered an sold over sea as prime beef. The beef sold is not affecting our national meat price but somehow it's driving the nation live beef price down. I am still trying to grasp the mechanics that are allowing this.

[@TheJohnnybravo4]

@@runrundave cattle prices are WAY WAY up. just not in NC or the south period. THAT is not the market for calves, feeders or fats

[@mansoorilyas233]

good luck, its the best way to go, cut the middle man, and reach out to the customers. Another option is to hit the farmer market and provide an option to buy half carcass to customers to further cut down the cost.

[@richardwilkens4577]

Josh I guess I got lucky I started with 32 acres and 4 dairy cows now I have 44 acres milking 20 cows and have 10 beef cows have 200 acres I raise crops and bale hay on shares and I use old equipment equipment I have repaired and restored my newest tractor is a 1978 jd 4040

[@tireddad6541]

I say a lot of work and good decisions, not luck. And it takes a lot smarts, simply put.

[@jenniferanderson8050]

I'm in NJ and would love to order your beef! We are a large family and very willing to support your farm🙏

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

soon my friend...very soon

[@jenniferanderson8050]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer ❤️🙏

[@jenniferanderson8050]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I'm looking to get a full cow and a full pig, not sure how I'm going to get them to me in NJ or of it's even possible. I'm trying to get your wheels spinning to come up with some ideas that won't break the bank lol. My family is large 6 kids 2 adults. We are foster parents to 5 of them and my bio daughter not to little at 35 still lives at home. I hope we can help Eachother. Look forward to hearing news on available meat🙏

[@mattnickeson9049]

Agree 100% on vertically integrating the supply chain with direct to consumer. On a separate note the input/output calculation if you consider these metric based on a per livestock unit (i.e., $ hay per lb of livestock). Meaning that only a certain % of that hay cost left the farm with the culled cattle. The rest remained with the farm as an investment in the future. I know that doesn’t help the pocketbook immediately but looking at things through a cost accounting methodology can really help to rationalize these things.

[@thomasmccrea8149]

Starving Small Square hay farmer here. My input costs this year have been enormous. I have worked 2-3 jobs as a Paramedic & Firefighter for 35+ years to farm. I still work 2 full time jobs to support my farming operation. At 57 years old I need to change my operation. I love my hay customers but the prices this year are killing me .

[@yoyoswift9926]

Wow Josh! This was really shocking! Thanks for the transparency

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

You bet!

[@garygage104]

It's always been this way. 25 years ago it cost half what it do today but we only recieved half what we do today so we only broke even. Keep up the good work. I bet your future is bright with the your own butcher block.

[@justkeepingitreal7768]

It's sad but small time beef operations haven't been profitable for at least the last 20 years. My grandfather loved raising cattle but eventually sold off all of them and turned the pastures into hay fields and started making a little money growing and selling hay. I watched him pour his blood sweat and tears into those cows just as we all have watched you and it hurts me just the same to see it go like it is for you. Just like you he had the most beautiful healthy cows. How does that saying go, "you can make a small fortune farming if you start with a large fortune."

[@circlethewagons]

The saying goes: "There's money in it, but it's all your own".

[@jerryallen8086]

Im curious where this deep empathy generates from. You do understand the ridiculous amount of money thrown at this piece of property to run a couple dozen cows? Price for those calves isnt the issue. Shouldn't have sold young calves that could only command that low price. By the weight, some.of those calves were only a couple months old. Calves are typically weaned at 7 to 8 months of age weighing 50% of their dams weight, so 450 to 550 pounds. The calves brought what they did due to quality, age, management, and decision when to and how to market. My 550 pound steers brought over $900. Wet, pulled from the cow and sold. I just dont get the lack of understanding here. Never mind the price of the property, a quarter of a million dollars (minimum) is on display here for a few head of cows and the complaint is I didnt make any money selling culls at the sale barn. Anyone care to educate me?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

So....you don't have any empathy for the struggling new farmer who's actually motivated to teach folks about the reality of starting a new farm operation? I think you've got your figures off on this 2 million dollar piece of property buddy.....we're building a farm...we're learning, growing and teaching. My setup and operation isn't gonna be the same as your operation....there's 3 businesses at work on this farm....now I will say you are correct...should have waited until the calves were about 100 lbs heavier and I would have seen more income...lessons learned here buddy...but no need for you to be unkind about anything here. Of course it costs money to build a farm and buy land....but I only took into account input costs for the cattle...not fences, wire, posts, tractors, mowers, atvs, sidebysides and others because I wanted to explain this for folks who are already setup. Takes years to generate a profit on a first gen farm....I'd like for you to educate me...does this place and what I do and show here somehow take away from what you do with your life? Why don't you diversify your farm income and try creating content? Only then will you understand the countless hours of work that it takes to build, explain and diversify a first generation farm into something successful. Please be kind sir...life is to short for you to get upset over a youtube video. I think you should respect the fact that I'm not out here FAKING IT.....watch any other farming channel and you'll hear these folks painting the perfect picture of a profitable enterprise...when in reality it's not....at least not yet. Many a shattered dream has been promoted by a fake profiting farm on social media my brotha...I'm not painting that fake picture

[@neilkratzer3182]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer your right on your views as a small farmer. When I grew up on the farm we were lucky to be self sufficient with great producing Land. Basically all our feed was in house with surplus crops to sell so it was profitable. Now I have friends that went organic and that has been super profitable for the area where I am from.

[@jerryallen8086]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer We would be better as cohorts discussing this rather than adversaries. Your channel Young Sir, do as you see fit, no worries on my part. I honestly couldnt care less how this plays out, just a bit of fun on my time and its your channel right? You are certainly a first gen farmer and dont disguise that. I was one also, so please dont assume the preaching you provided me for diversification of investments or operations is something new to me or or hasn't been done Remember Sir, I know what you represent, and You know nothing about me. Could I be lying and totally fake? Sure, most likely I actually know what Im talking about and you assumed some elevated attitude from a couple of messages to your channel. Please dont be mean Sir, no reason to react to a negative comment with an agressive mannor. Life is to short for you to dwell upon the reactions of a viewer of your content. Teaching Re-generative AG; No Sir, not in the same ball park. Difference between elementary school and Masters Degree. Josh, You "share" Your experience "Doing it my own damn way" which is totally understandable and desireable by your audiance. You Sir are very good at that part of Your endevors. Teaching anything close to regenerative AG or teaching how to start a farm is beyond ludicrous. You do Sir, share your perspective on how you walk your path, Your choices, what You are doing, Your passion, Your goals; but You are not "teaching" regenervative grazing. You Sir with all respect are sharing your journey.

[@dwightlarson6449]

thanks so much for your honesty and transparency. you're going to make it I know

[@futtermanfarms6791]

totally agree that custom butchering and selling to market that appreciates your quality is the way to go

[@jerryburwick3433]

Thank You SRF

[@williepete5585]

Well on a positive note, you passed the break even point. That’s a big hurdle for lots of businesses.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

AMEN!!!!! There ya go...see folks are seeing the negative here but looking past the positive....I'm at the break even point and we go up from here. Nobody handed me this land or this idea or this farm...it takes time and if at 3 years of cattle farming I'm breaking even..seems there's nowhere to go but up! Thanks for understanding that this is a video about optimism and reality v/s what others are out there painting as the perfect picture of farming profit....it's simply not perfect and it takes time to get to profitability

[@bernardkeal5834]

Hi Josh from Kokstad South Africa we have that same profitability problem. We have a fifty hectare small holding. We milk 60 dairy cows and breed the cows to black Angus. The equipment on the farm cost a bomb fert costs an arm and a leg we get 6 rand /l and 26/rand /kg for beef. We still love the country life. Don’t loose hope friend you are on the right track with that shed.

[@mguida47]

Good video, excellent content you've shared. Struggling with similar farm rehab details and costs. Keeping my head up because of the desired lifestyle it brings but, how do we sustain the business to be able to afford the lifestyle? Neverending quest to figuring that out. Appreciate your honesty on this subject. Really and truly it's the only pain of farm living.

[@netwonc]

One of your best video. I went through the same thing but lost money bad. Now I just lease pasture.

[@andrewgraeme8429]

$17 a pound for beef in the US now??? Holy moly! We are paying exactly half that in Scotland. I looked online at US prices and even US discounter Trader Joe (owned by Aldi) was selling four bog-standard beef sausages for $8. That's two dollars for a sausage! And you are getting $1.60 on-the-hoof??? Something tells me that something is very wrong and it's time for you to get that butcher's shop in the new shed up-n-running!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yep I agree!

[@charlesvaughn5055]

thanks for the information. Just keep doing what your heart and love of the land requests.

[@mountaindreamer7883]

Thanks Josh for all the real life info. One day I will have a small farm or die trying. But unfortunately, meat production will be mainly for my own consumption. We need a food freedom revolution, along with tearing down this liberal world order. Cant help but know they have been crashing meat and produce markets periodically to shut down people and there freedom of food ability. They want us to all eat crickets and not beef. As if cattle where the problem, unbelievable but true. We the people must get United and take back this nation,for freedom, for food,for life and liberty!!! Never give up josh!!!

[@BowenOrg]

THE "FOOD FREEDOM REVOLUTION" IS ALREADY HERE... LOOK UP GABE BROWN AND REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE ON KZbin RIGHT NOW, TODAY... AND WATCH WHAT HE'S DONE ON HIS 5,000 ACRES IN N. DAKOTA! IT'S AMAZING! AND, HE NOW CONSULTS TO FARM OWNERS WITH OVER 22 MILLION ACRES IN THE USA! IF GABE TALKS, FARMERS NEED TO LISTEN AND THEN CONTACT HIS ORGANIZATIONS AND START IMPLEMENTING HIS PRACTICES IMMEDIATELY! GABE & HIS FAMILY ARE VERY PROFITABLE AND HE SHARES WITH EVERYONE! Amen Retired, Veteran

[@colinswainson9882]

Hi Josh ,Sell your beef to a upmarket steakhouse if that’s an option for you , they always need grass feed beef .

[@coopsblooms5824]

Love what you’re doing at your farm. The government isn’t making farming easy they claim it’s for safety and all that nonsense. Which to an extent it is, yet all the outbreaks of illnesses/diseases are likely linked bad to the mega farms and processing plants. They just changed laws in nc for meat chickens. You will need to butcher on-site if you want to make any money doing that. I think laying hens will be similar experience as the beef. Between feed, cartons, cleaning, packing, selling, etc I haven’t found it’s worth it.

[@maverick_trail]

Most of these "outbreaks" are pure BS. It's all about govt control and destroying small businesses.

[@Tina-yw6yo]

Always remember the bigger the calve the more $$ we’ve been at this for 50 years had good yrs and bad this drought in sw colo is a tough one . Your on the right track keep it up

[@Joeystandridge]

How in the world do we get farmers what they need. Yeah opened my eyes. Thought raising quality beef made a difference at the end of the day. But big corporations don’t care what kind of grass you feed them. Unbelievable!

[@jackpate6205]

I have a little homestead down in middle Ga. We have a dairy cow and heifer calf by a Angus bull. Just watched your processing video as well. I always thought we would alternate selling and processing until it's time to replace our breeder. I appreciate your videos. We are 2 months in with owning cows. Getting our first taste in coordinating AI as well! it is definitely an adventure. We do it for our family first and then hopefully recoop some costs.

[@GM6.7]

The federal government needs to back off and allow independent ranchers and farmers sell their goods to a market they seeks them out. The fda should allow and encourage independent Inspectors to be sub-contractors to help this market thrive without any hassle.

[@wmkess]

Adding sheep or goats to the operation would be first on my list. They eat the same thing as the cattle and can either lead or follow them in the rotation. I can’t speak much on sheep specifically, but with commercial meat goats that you can often break even in just year one.

[@hotpawvlog9408]

Hi Josh, Thanks for showing up the result and always being honest to your audience ! Unfortunately not everyone says it so clear like you do. I'm not in farming yet but it's my dream to build one too and for my plannings these explanations were very helpful! Thanks a lot and keep up doing your great content work, you're doing so good educational, informative videos! Best regards from Germany from HotPaw Vlog

[@pennymckeever8058]

Lots of hard work and dedication . Loving what you do is part of your profit. Self satisfaction of your accomplishments is a huge factor in everything. Building a farm for profit is not easy... follow your dreams ..be determined and keep on doing it...most of all keep the Faith and Thank God for all of your Blessings

[@tanyapohlmann7606]

I would be interested in cow sharing and would buy direct. Your farm is 1.5hrs away from me so going regularly for beef is tough but if I bought 1/4 of a cow - then worth the drive for amazing beef raised well and humanely butchered. Same esp. for pork. Just need to find a spot for a freezer!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

soon we'll be selling beef right of the farm

[@danielpuckett7291]

Thanks for the clear info! I'm excited to see how you go about direct market sales, and diversify. One day I'll have the privilege to live the life, for now thanks for helping me learn!

[@michaelwhisman345]

I know when I was raising cattle I couldn't do any good selling to the market. I always Kept my calves till they were around 800 to 850 pounds and sold them as freezer beef. That's where you start seeing a little more profit or at least I did

[@logoski589]

That's what I'm doing now. We have a local processor and run 8 or so calves a year through him. Not a lot but the few extra K we make selling to locals and family is a decent supplemental. Plus the freezers are always full.

[@michaelwhisman345]

@@logoski589 everything helps and it sure beats taking whatever you can get at the market

[@stacykelly9962]

You are correct. Direct sales . We rent our 5 pastures to a cattle broker who recently bought a cattle auction barn. Our renter started off putting cattle in the pastures but then found it more profitable to cultivate the seed heads & sale. Fertilizer wasn’t cheap at the time but he had our pastures looking the best they had in years and resulted in good seed. That all changed when fertilizer skyrocketed in $. He’s a young go getter and always making new plans on best profit. Sadly here in Missouri, we had a dry summer, so a lot of cattle going to auction because some farmers didn’t get one cut to bale hay where as in the past , some were lucky to get 2 cuttings in a year. Thank you for your honesty. My family came from TN to homestead our Century farm in 1837 and farmed with crops & agricultural until 1949. They were fairly wealthy tobacco farmers before they came to Missouri. They worked sun up to sun down and their children were free labor. They worked to survive. Yes, I’m reminiscing about the 19th and early 20th Century but farming has remained the same in regards to knowledge of farming and hard work. I applaud you for having the passion and mind set of planning ahead for what has to change in order to make a living.

[@FarmallFanatic]

Break even Bob...been there

[@rezyness]

Yep, direct selling is best. But sometimes, I needed to let go some rams quickly so off to the auction. Like you I really enjoy farm life and will keep doing it

[@LAusmcprep]

I love the direction you are going. Along with the direct marketing and butchering. Hopefully you do a series on the USDA certification and process on selling farm produced meat on a small scale. Keep it up

[@cletushatfield8817]

The USDA is a captured organization.

[@brockstar1311]

Hopefully one day we dont need a bureaucrat to bless our food.

[@davidvankainen6711]

Despite the liquidation of beef cattle I've heard about out west in drought country, and predictable reduction in grocery store prices likely, I am a satisfied purchaser of a half cow, locally grown at 'reasonable price' directly from the farmer landed at the local butcher shop, custom packaged. Keep the faith!

[@brockstar1311]

I don't see why farmers don't get together and sell directly to customers. I live in a county where there are more cows than people yet it's hard to find folks selling beef.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

heck me too! Someone scolded me in the comment for buying beef...heck there's nobody to buy local beef from around here!

[@blujen1642]

Truth Stands. Thank you for being honest about your experience and what you see as solutions to build up your future Totally agree Diversion is Key! Exceeding Abundant Blessings.

[@Funonthefarm]

Dollar a pound for cull cows isn’t bad.. 1.52 for bulls isn’t great. Why don’t you castrate bull calves? Definitely get more for them. And why sell them so light? Producers don’t want to pay for small animals that they will have to put that much weight on. But I completely agree, direct sales is the best way to go. Consumers are definitely starting to see the benefits of it too. Thanks for what your doin. It’s definitely a lifestyle

[@Funonthefarm]

For context, we just sold out steers averaging 618# for 1.60 per pound

[@zachpeters514]

Enjoy your videos. My wife and I are also building a first generation farm from scratch and it’s tough from the start. The farm to table idea or a niche market is the only way a farmer will actually be profitable. We are growing a Scottish Highland herd from scratch and understand the frustrations. Good luck and keep it up.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I don't think it's the "only way" but I think it may be a good way to diversify your income. As for highland cattle....not sure that would be my choice of breed for farm to table....folks don't wanna see cute highlands and then eat them....or that's my thoughts.....they typically could care less with a big ol angus

[@zachpeters514]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer you are correct about the cuteness factor but on the same note we found a niche market of people wanting that cute in the field to watch. As for farm to table, they do offer some advantages over angus in iron and cholesterol content. But I do love a big angus steak!

[@bch5513]

Same here. When I was in the Midwest I had a real demand for it. Down south everyone just says " I fill my freezer with deer". If I want a streak I'll go buy it fresh when I want it. I understand but much tougher down here.

[@akavery]

I definitely like your idea of direct selling. But don’t a lot of states have really strict laws about butchering and selling your own meat? In our state you have to take the animal to a USDA certified processor in order to sell it to customers… 😳 They really do their best to keep us little guys down

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yep...I"m not gonna butcher meat on my farm and sell it to the public...I can butcher my own meat...but it's gotta be processed and packaged at a USDA facility for sure

[@petejones5996]

Man you are inspiring people with your passion alone!!! Can't wait to see the ne t chapter!!!

[@markschwendinger1355]

Better start keeping some calves back if you are going to butcher as it will take you a few years to get them up to butcher wieght

[@daddygoat]

Great insight and yes, direct market your beautiful cows and beef!

[@jmhamilton87]

Unless you’re selling direct to market, it’s break even or a loss. Use the livestock auctions for destocking or culling, and really put the rest of your efforts into marketing to develop a customer base that supports you and buys these underperforming cows (as meat), or steers (as meat). That’s the only way I’ve seen people make profit with cattle. Dealing with all these middlemen is where all the profit goes, the farmer gets nothing. So you need to cut them out of the transaction process. Keep your chin up brother, you got this! Direct marketing and being ruthless about lowering input costs is the way ;)

[@yeboscrebo4451]

In two skips and a jump he’ll be operating a full-blown CAFO! This is exactly how things devolve from sustainable animal husbandry and homesteading to a soulless industrial meat factory

[@jmhamilton87]

@@yeboscrebo4451 Bringing livestock to the auction is more participatory in CAFO then being direct to consumer and slaughtering on site if you have the machinery/refrigerator rooms to do so. We need more local processing, not less! I doubt Josh is going to start finishing with grain, on dirt paddocks, with manure lagoons…

[@yeboscrebo4451]

@@jmhamilton87 Yes, I agree with that. I was merely being reactionary against your last statement about “being ruthless about lowering input costs”. That’s how the first domino falls which leads to the CAFOs. Imo, a better approach would be to rethink the entire process. Perhaps instead of focusing on expansion to take advantage of economies of scale, he should turn 180 degrees and go smaller. What’s wrong with two mini dairy cows that supply the whole family with milk and a freezer full of meat every so often? Sell off all the heavy equipment and raise the cows for sustenance not for money?

[@jerryw5954]

Thank God for the profits from youtube. Without the KZbin channel you would be back at the hospital. Keep on keeping on. Love the videos

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

lol....well I'll tell you this....the hospital is much much easier than creating content and building the farm...every waking hour and in my sleep I'm building the business and the farm. What's EARNED on social media is put right back into the farm my friend

[@jalopyjoe4483]

Was hear Wooooo!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Even the large cattle producers are headed for tough times ahead. One major reason is that there are 4 huge meat processing companies that have nearly absolute control over the prices. Only one of the 4 is an American company. Two of the others are Brazilian and the other is Chinese. This is way to information to try and pack in a single comment. I am actually going to do a video on this in a couple of weeks, time permitting. Thank you for doing this video Josh. This is stuff that every consumer needs to know

[@e.a.bfarms]

While I agree cattle is not a good way to get into farming, you just gave all your profits to the next guy. Any successful cow/calf producer knows you can't sell calves at 300lbs. Keep them on the cow until 450-500 wean them, and put them on grain for 60 days. Then you are selling at around 600 for $950-1050. Reason I know is I buy them light weight groups and put a few dollars in grain in them and come out pretty good.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

We do not feed grain on this farm my brotha...take a moment and imagine you had to start over fresh from zero....not a family farm...not leasing...none of that...how long would it take ya to earn a profit? Remember this is only the 2nd year in production so it's gonna take time..I do agree with ya...450-700 lbs brings more profit to the farm for sure...stick with me here brotha, this is just the beginning...sometimes we need a slap in the face to realize we're doing something wrong

[@e.a.bfarms]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer take a moment and imagine you are not the only one that started from scratch. Im also a first-generation farm, feel free to check out my videos. Do you think the buyers at the sale barn cared if you fed grain or not? While I do enjoy most of your content, The avrage farm is not going to beable to sell 50 plus animals a year direct to consumers. While yes its the best money it is very hard to scale without a following like you.

[@tylerpeterson4786]

Thank you. Good luck brother

[@denniscleveland669]

Back in the day, many rural families raised their own beef and vegetables. I grew up on about 5 acres and my dad had a cow with a calf. We got milk and eventually had beef and another calf. Then, beef became cheap and easily obtainable at a general store. Then we’ve become soft and rely on the markets to supply us with food. Now, the pendulum is swinging the other way and people are going to get caught off guard. Oh and there were 5 boys and a girl in our family.

[@lololollaughatlife1431]

I think at the very least we should not completely dependent on the grocery store. Thanks for sharing!! I agree with you. There are going to be ebbs and flows, but those just feeding their own family with what they produce themselves- know a lot more than your average person.

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Yes, and we should go back to smaller-scale subsistence production imo. 2 mini dairy cows is all you need to support a family with milk every day.

[@fisherman1233]

You're spot on

[@donbrutcher4501]

You are an entertainer/educator with a farm, not a farmer who educates and entertains. Pete of "Just a Few Acres" often goes into the economics of his farm. He is direct to consumer at a farmers market on all his animals.

[@markziegler3551]

You needed to keep your calves until they are 500-600 pounds. The price per pound goes down a little but you are selling so many more pounds. My family has 350 cow calf pairs and unless you are making your own hay there is no way to keep it going. There are drought years that they have to buy hay but not 100% and those years are break even to stay around another year.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yep...I agree for sure on the weight

[@hunttraining191]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer also would help if they were casturated.

[@timpotter8715]

I’m the same Josh, I have an 80 acre farm, I agree with direct sale, it is a way of life, I do cut my own hay, but still I love being on my farm.

[@HeritageFarmsTexas]

You’re spot on. Luckily we are in a area where there is property appreciation. Even though we are never selling, we are building wealth. Cattle also help us avoid property taxes. Not to mention the tax advantages that are out there as well. You have to have a passion for it. Otherwise you’re better off with a good mutual fund.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yeppers...having my farm land on a tax program helps with my taxes too....but it's honestly something that I don't feel the gov't has any right to tax. It's not using any infrastructure that affects the county what so ever, I think it's wrong to tax farms, tax the machines and the infrastructure as if it's inventory. Next thing you know they'll tax us on each animal!!

[@allenbuck5589]

Josh your farm is looking great. I’ve watched you for years. I hope you have great success in all your work. Thanks again from my hill top in. Sc.

[@wkuadkins]

awesome video... great advise.... and yes corporations buying farms up is NOT a good thing.. jeff

[@redeemedfarmer2670]

WOW your channel has grown big time..congratulations to you… When I found your channel you had a few thousand subscribers….

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Welcome back!

[@isaiahraimondo6083]

I’m from Pennsylvania - we have a very very small operation but we take local to the butcher and we sell half or the whole cow before we even make it there - we don’t fertilize or shots or anything it’s all grass fed - another big thing around us is farmers markets - many farmers don’t sell beef there but it sells very quick for 4-8 dollars a pound for everything - crazy how things are different everywhere a person goes

[@MsDaddyrabbit1]

I prayed for you & your farm.

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

GREAT HONESTY to share with others, I'm sure you have already done what I'm about suggest but in case you haven't, I'd see if you could have a set down chat with someone who has been in the same business for awhile, even that has started from scratch, lay out you procedures, expenses & plans you have been working, let those eyes of experience look it over, maybe you just need to make some tweaks you haven't thought about that someone with experience can share with you

[@johnme7049]

Hang in there Josh, nobody said this was gonna be easy, but at least it's fun. It IS fun Right? Tell me it's fun. :D:D:D God bless you Brother and thank you for all you do.