If you look around at the price of land, it makes you wonder how anyone can afford a farm. There may still be a lot of big family farms around small farms are becoming more and more appealing to people. When I say small scale I am talking about acres. In my case I farm on only 20 acres. Small scale may mean that you may have to adapt or adjust in some ways but it does not mean that raising cattle is impossible. Let’s look at some options for how to be a cattle farmer with small acreage.
1. The Traditional Cow-Calf Operation
A traditional cow-calf setup means you keep cows. These cows have calves, which you then raise. Selling those calves is how you make money. But on a small farm, this can be tough. Space is limited. It can be harder to feed everyone.
The Lowline Angus Advantage
Consider Lowline Angus cattle. They’re smaller than regular Angus. This means you can keep more of them on less land. Dexter and Miniature Herefords are also good choices. They are smaller breeds to consider, as well.
Making it Work: Land and Feed Management
How many cattle can you have? It depends on your land and grass. Your local extension office can help you figure it out. They know average stocking rates for your area. Growing enough grass is key. Consider buying hay if you don’t have enough pasture.
Think about what happens if there’s a drought. You might have to sell some animals. This keeps your pasture from getting ruined.
Building a Niche Business Model
Another option here would be to raise butcher cattle. These are cattle raised for meat. Since they’re smaller, they cost less to raise. People can buy a whole beef without spending a fortune. Raising cows is enjoyable, even if it’s not super efficient.
2. Capitalizing on Stalker Calves
Stalker calves are young calves you buy. You raise them for a while, then sell them. This can be a good way to make money. It can be more efficient than raising cows long-term.
The Efficiency and Profitability of Stalker Calves
Raising stalker calves can be very profitable. You can sell them quickly if you need to. If the weather turns bad, you aren’t stuck with a lot of animals. You can sell them and wait for things to improve. Plus, you don’t have to feed them all winter. You can relax while your neighbors are feeding hay.
Mastering the Market: Buying and Selling Smart
Don’t just buy the first calf you see. Watch the market. See what prices are like. Learn what kind of animals sell well. Going to a sale multiple times to learn what to buy is worthwhile.
Identifying Quality and Potential
Location matters. Some breeds do better in certain areas. Look for healthy calves that will grow well. Avoid ones that look sick or weak. Alan Nation’s book, “Pasture Profits with Stalker Cattle,” is a great resource. If you’re serious, you should check it out.
Buying Older Bred Cattle
You can buy older cows that are already pregnant. These cows are often cheaper. You raise the calf, then sell the cow. This is another way to make money on a small farm.
Understanding Cattle Dentition
Older cattle are judged by their teeth. “Short and solid” means they have teeth, but they’re worn down. “Broken mouth” means they’re losing teeth. Avoid “smooth mouth” cattle. They have no teeth left. They won’t be able to eat well.
The Process: Calving, Raising, and Selling
Buy older cows that are close to calving. Let them have their calves on your farm. Raise the calves until they’re weaned. Then, sell the cows for slaughter. This helps you get back some of the money you spent.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
This is similar to raising stalker calves. You can operate only during the growing season. This means you might not need to feed hay. But there are risks. You don’t know what kind of calf you’ll get. You also don’t know the cow’s health history. Older cows are often cheaper. You can usually buy them for slaughter prices.
Sometimes, there’s a reason the animal is at the sale. They could be bad mothers, or have another issue. You could lose a calf or a cow. No one wants to deal with that.
3. Other Considerations and Options
There are other ways to raise cattle. For example, you could get a milk cow. You can have it artificially inseminated. It can give you milk and beef. These are a few ways to make a little money on your farm.
