Interested in Getting Started Raising Beef Cattle? What You Should Know

If you’ve been considering raising beef cattle, whether as a hobby or for commercial purposes, you’re in good company. Beef cattle farming can be a rewarding venture, providing a sustainable source of meat and income. However, getting started requires careful planning, knowledge of cattle care, and an understanding of the resources needed to succeed. This guide will walk you through the basics of raising beef cattle, from choosing the right breed to managing their care.

1.      Choosing the Right Breed

One of the first decisions you’ll make is choosing the breed of cattle that fits your goals and environment. Some breeds are better suited for certain climates, terrains, or farming goals.

• Angus: Known for their high-quality meat and adaptability, Angus is a popular breed for beef production.

• Hereford: Herefords are hardy cattle, known for their easy temperament and ability to thrive in a range of environments.

• Charolais: These cattle grow quickly and produce lean meat, making them a great choice for farmers looking for fast-growing herds.

• Simmental: Known for their dual-purpose abilities, Simmentals are good for both milk and meat production, making them a versatile option.

It’s important to choose a breed that fits your farm’s environmental conditions and your business goals.

2. Space and Fencing

Beef cattle need adequate space to graze and roam. The general rule of thumb is that each cow requires about 1.5 to 2 acres of pasture, depending on the quality of the land and the available forage. Grazing is crucial for the cattle’s health and helps keep feeding costs down, but your land must be able to support them year-round or you will need to supplement with hay.

Investing in durable, high-quality fencing is essential for keeping cattle safe and secure. Electric fencing is often used for rotational grazing systems, where cattle are moved between different sections of pasture to prevent overgrazing.

3. Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is one of the most important aspects of raising healthy beef cattle. Cattle are ruminants, which means they rely heavily on forages like grasses and hay, but they also need balanced minerals and supplements to thrive.

Here are the basics of a beef cattle diet:

• Forage: The majority of your cattle’s diet will come from grazing pasture or eating hay. Ensure your pastures have a variety of grasses and legumes for optimal nutrition.

• Grain: While forage is the primary food source, some farmers opt to supplement their cattle’s diet with grain, especially during the finishing phase when trying to increase weight gain.

• Minerals: To keep your herd healthy, you’ll need to provide mineral supplements. Fertrell has a variety of products that can help meet your cattle’s nutritional needs, ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

It’s also crucial to have a clean, reliable water source available at all times. Cattle can drink anywhere from 10 to 20 gallons of water per day, depending on their size and the weather conditions.

4. Housing and Shelter

While beef cattle are hardy animals, providing shelter from extreme weather conditions is important for their well-being. During the summer, cattle need access to shade to avoid heat stress, which can negatively affect their health and weight gain. In the winter, windbreaks or barns can protect them from cold winds and precipitation.

Cattle don’t require elaborate housing, but it’s essential to provide shelter that suits your local climate.

5. Health Management and Veterinary Care

Maintaining herd health is critical when raising beef cattle. Developing a good relationship with a livestock veterinarian will help you stay on top of regular vaccinations and health checks. Common health issues in beef cattle include respiratory diseases, parasites, and lameness.

Implementing a vaccination program and regular deworming schedule can go a long way in preventing serious health problems. Work with a vet to develop a herd health plan that might include vaccinations for diseases like:

• Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)

• Blackleg (Clostridial disease)

Regularly inspecting your cattle for signs of illness or injury will help catch problems early before they affect the entire herd.

6. Breeding and Calving

If you plan to breed your cattle, understanding the breeding process and calving is essential. Cows typically have a gestation period of about 283 days, or roughly nine months, so it’s important to plan calving around the seasons that offer the best conditions for both the cows and calves.

Many farmers opt for artificial insemination (AI) to introduce desirable genetics into their herd. This method allows you to select traits that improve meat quality, weight gain, or disease resistance.

Calving season can be stressful for both the cows and the farmer, so it’s important to monitor expectant cows closely and provide a clean, dry space for calving. Having a good relationship with a veterinarian will be especially helpful during this time.

7. Marketing and Selling Your Beef

Once your cattle have reached market weight (typically between 1,100 and 1,300 pounds), it’s time to think about selling. Marketing your beef effectively can make a big difference in profitability. Many farmers sell their beef through local markets, farm-to-table initiatives, or directly to consumers.

If you’re new to selling beef, consider starting small by selling directly to friends and family or at local farmers' markets. As your operation grows, you might look into joining co-ops or working with local butcher shops and restaurants.

Final Thoughts

Raising beef cattle is a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning, hard work, and commitment. By choosing the right breed, providing proper nutrition, and ensuring adequate space and shelter, you can raise healthy, productive cattle that will provide high-quality beef.

Fertrell offers a variety of products that can help support your cattle’s health and nutritional needs, from mineral supplements to soil amendments for your pastures. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your current operation, focusing on herd health and nutrition will set you up for success.