I’ve found a sire, now what?

[blossom]

I have a 9 month old registered Dexter that I board at a nearby farm. That farm has an Angus bull. Pregnancy is inevitable.

I’ve found another farm further away that has a desirable registered Dexter bull. The bull’s owner has agreed to have my girl stay with him until she’s successfully bred.

What are common arrangements for stud fees? Option to keep offspring? Would love to hear your ideas and experiences.

[cddexter]

I guess this should start with don't breed your heifer until she's about 15 months old. Earlier, she is still using energy to form herself, so if you breed too young it takes away from the heifer. Think about a 12 year old human getting preggers...

To answer your question, There's often a fee associated with board, especially if needing more than just grass in winter. This is usually whatever traffic will bear, open to negotiation if you think it's too high. Then there's a fee for the 'use' of the bull, ditto. If he does it all for free, he can ask for the calf in exchange, your decision. Your post doesn't say anything about if you are moving your heifer to the new farm permanently or just for breeding. You definitely don't want her bred by an Angus bull at 9 months!!!