Stocker operation, Northern CO

[NBS2005]

After years of hemming and hawing, I want to give this a try. I've been reading everything I can and have decided that a stocker operation that turns cattle as quickly as possible is the best option for me.

I'm wondering if there are folks in N CO/S WY who are running this type of operation that I can talk to? How much land do I need to run 150-200 head? Is there pasture available to rent in this area (draw a triangle starting in Fort Collins with HWY 287 to I 80 in WY, east to I 25, and south to FC, that's were I would want my land). I do want to purchase some land, whats the minimum I can get away with?

Finally, any links to websites or book recommendations would be great.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[murph]

I am looking forward to some replies in your area. With high feed costs in the feedyards, they are bidding grass leases up in our area. It makes it tough for us stocker operators. In our area it takes 5 or 6 acres to run a steer through the summer at about 60 to 70 dollars per season per head. Just wondering if it's close to that up there.