ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA

October 5, 2021 | Vol. 14 : No. 9

management

Angus Proud: Bubba Crosby

Fall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.

Bubba Crosby is the owner of Circle C Farms, and his operation produces Angus cattle.

“We have about 200 straight-Angus mama cows, and we produce one calf crop per year,” Crosby says.

His calves go to a high-end market along with several other calves from around the area.

“There is a group of us that sells together in load lots,” Crosby says. “They go to a high-end market because of their genetics.”

The operation calves in the fall to better fit their selling schedule.

“The markets we like to hit sell in June and July,” Crosby says. “By that time, the grass is coming on strong. We can get the calves weaned and put them on pasture.”

Disease is an obstacle that Crosby must overcome each year, but he has a plan to fight against that.

“We have a strict vaccination program that we adhere to,” Crosby said. “We try to stay on top of that as much as possible.”

Circle C Farms is in Georgia, and the heat poses a risk when raising black-hided animals.

“The weather here is always a challenge,” Crosby said. “But we get through it, because it’s what we do.”

Crosby is confident in his Angus herd’s ability to overcome heat.

“Everyone thought you needed some ear on your cattle if you were going to raise them in the South,” Crosby says. “We’ve never had a huge problem not having ear on our cattle.”

Crosby’s choice to raise Angus started with the profitability of the breed.

“Many, many years ago, when I went into a sale barn, cattle were bringing in 70¢-75¢ per pound,” Crosby said. “Angus [were] bringing 85¢-90¢ per pound.”

Angus cattle also have a genetic appeal for Crosby.

“I like the guarantee of their genetics that will produce high-quality cattle that’s going to sell in the market,” Crosby said. “You have to produce what’s going to sell and make you money.”

Crosby said he has an advantage by being part of the American Angus Association.

“Twenty years ago, I sat down with my regional manager, David Gazda, and told him what I wanted to do with my herd,” Crosby says. “He listened and helped me in every way possible to get there.”

He appreciates what Gazda has done to help bring his herd to where it is today.

“He’s the only man I have ever trusted to buy bulls with my money,” Crosby says. “He’s done really good with helping me pick my genetics, and my carcass data is always in the top percentages. Gazda is one of the reasons I still enjoy being in the Angus business.”