Club calf sales add value to cow/calf operation
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Ryan and Jamie Peters of rural Hillsboro are a young couple who have made cattle ranching their life's choice. They operate a large cow/calf operation in partnership with Ryan's parents, Van and Linda Peters.
Approximately the top 10 percent of the calves produced each year are sold as 4-H club calves. Ryan said it takes a lot of extra work to produce good show calves, but the premium received for the calves provides extra money to upgrade equipment and facilities.
The Peters have an Internet web site and also advertise in a national magazine geared to the club calf industry. They sell calves throughout the United States, as well as locally. The calves range in age from three months to six or seven months. In 1996, a Peters steer was grand champion at the California State Fair.
"We like to sell calves locally so we can watch them grow up," Ryan said. "There's nothing like seeing a seven-, eight-, or nine-year-old buy a show calf and be successful. It's worth all the work."
That work begins with artificial insemination (AI) of about 100 cows and 50-60 heifers every year. The AI process takes about three weeks. Ryan said semen costs have increased from $7-8 to $25-30 each.
Because the cows are bred to produce heavy-muscled, big calves, which are prized for showing, pulling calves is a common occurrence during March calving time.
Cows with best calves are kept in a separate group and the calves are creep-fed. A special enclosed feeder gives access to a growing ration.
The calves are weaned in late August or September and tamed through hand-feeding and frequent contact with people.
The Peters used to halter break the calves, which took about 15 days. Now, they get them gentle, then let customers break them. They clip the calves' hair before selling them to let the customers see how they will appear in a show ring.
In past years, the Peters held a yearly club calf sale but currently are selling private treaty. They expect to sell approximately 55 club calves this year.
Ryan noted several reasons for their success. First of all, the Peters' calves have a track record of doing well. Secondly, there is no pressure to buy. "If a customer likes one, we try to sell it to him," Ryan said.
The Peters also follow up on their sales and offer assistance and training to youngsters.
"The people who buy from us are our friends, not just our customers," Ryan explained.
The 2003 year produced the "best calf crop ever," Ryan said. Cows are crossbreds with an Angus base and a Maine Anjou, Chianina, Simmental, or Charolais influence. "Every breed has it's place," he noted.
His parents grew up showing cattle.
"My dad started a cow herd because he wanted to raise club calves for me to show," Ryan said. "We started selling the best ones when I became too old to show."
After graduating from Hillsboro High School in 1995, Ryan attended Butler County Community College for one and one-half years on a livestock judging scholarship, then transferred to KSU, where he graduated with degrees in animal science and business.
He met Jamie at KSU. She was from Illinois.
"We met in a food science class and she's the only good thing I got out of that class," he joked.
They were married in 1999 and have a four-month-old son, Charlie.
Jamie keeps records for the livestock operation, does advertising, and maintains the Internet website. Sometimes, she gets up in the middle of the night to help pull calves. She also helps with pregnancy checking and riding herd on the cattle.
"I'd be lost without her," Ryan said. "She and I have built lots of fence in the last five years."
Jamie has a science degree from KSU and is attending Wichita State University to get a teaching degree.
The Peters stress theirs is a family operation. They also rely heavily on good neighbors and friends. They attribute much of their success to their veterinarian, Dr. Norman Galle of Hillsboro, and Pat Martin, who provides all-around help.
While in college, Ryan was anxious to get back to the farm, and he has no regrets for his decision.
"There's at least sometime every day when I know I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," he said. "Whether its pulling calves, selling them to youngsters, watching calves grow, they're all part of life. Riding through Flint Hills pastures at daybreak is an awesome experience.
"My biggest hope is to be successful enough to afford my kids the same opportunities our parents and grandparents have given to us."
