Cattle Basics for Small Farms

Raising your own beef cattle is one of the most rewarding aspects of small-scale farming. With just a few acres and basic knowledge, you can produce high-quality, grass-fed beef for your family.

Is Cattle Farming Right for You?

• Land: 2-3 acres per cow-calf pair minimum (varies by region)
• Investment: Initial costs for animals, fencing, and infrastructure
• Time: Daily checks, seasonal tasks, occasional intensive work
• Markets: Options for selling or keeping for family use

Choosing Cattle Breeds

Small-Farm Friendly Breeds

• Dexter: Small size (800 lbs), dual-purpose, easy keepers
• Lowline Angus: Smaller Angus, excellent beef quality
• Miniature Herefords: Docile, efficient, great beef

Popular Beef Breeds

• Angus: Excellent marbling, easy calving, docile
• Hereford: Hardy, good foragers, gentle temperament
• Red Devon: Great on grass, docile, heat-tolerant
• Shorthorn: Dual-purpose, versatile, efficient

Fencing for Cattle

Fence Types

• High-tensile wire: Economical, effective, requires maintenance
• Electric: Affordable, flexible, requires training cattle
• Pipe/Steel: Durable but expensive, best for working areas
• Board: Traditional, attractive, needs regular maintenance

Key Requirements

• 4-5 feet minimum height
• Corner posts must be well-anchored
• Strong gates in convenient locations
• Water access in each pasture

Pasture Management

Rotational Grazing

Move cattle between paddocks to allow pasture recovery:

• Graze paddocks down to 3-4 inches
• Rest pastures 21-60 days depending on growth
• Improves pasture quality over time
• Reduces parasite loads
• Maximizes carrying capacity

Pasture Improvement

• Soil test and amend as needed
• Overseed thin areas
• Control weeds mechanically or by timing grazing
• Avoid overgrazing—rest is critical

Feeding Cattle

Grass-Fed Management

• Quality pasture during growing season
• Hay during winter (2-3% body weight daily)
• Mineral supplementation year-round
• Clean water always available

Finishing Options

• Grass-finished: 24-30 months, leaner meat, distinct flavor
• Grain-finished: Add grain last 90-120 days for marbling

Health Care Basics

Routine Care

• Vaccinations (work with local vet for protocol)
• Deworming based on fecal egg counts
• Fly control in summer
• Regular observation for illness or injury

Working Facilities

Essential equipment includes:

• Catch pen and working alley
• Headgate or squeeze chute
• Loading chute for transport

Processing Your Beef

A typical finished steer (1,000-1,200 lbs) yields approximately 400-500 lbs of retail cuts. Find a local USDA-inspected processor or learn butchering skills for home processing.