"Some of the most essential items in growing beef on the farm are: first. Plenty of pasture and feed. Second. The right kind of cows -- those that will produce good calves regularly. Third. A good, purebred registered bull -- one that will sire good calves persistently. Fourth. A large calf crop. This means that all cows shall drop calves, and that the calves shall be properly cared for at birth. Fifth. Proper care of the breeding herd and the calves. Sixth. Selection of good heifer calves to replace old or inferior cows. Seventh. Prevention of disease among the breeding heard and the younger stock. Eighth. Shelter sufficient to protect the cattle from both severe cold and extremely hot weather. Ninth. A practical knowledge of fattening cattle for market. Tenth Marketing to advantage."--Page [2].
Hobby Farms Beef Cattle: Keeping a Small-Scale Herd for Pleasure and Profit, written by Ann Larkin Hansen, serves as an excellent introduction to raising cows for food or simply to graze while mowing and fertilizing the pasture. This colorful guide offers experienced hobby farmers and beginners all of the essential information necessary to purchase and maintain a small herd of beef cattle. While managing her own hobby farm in Wisconsin, Hansen shares her expertise in all things farm and has authored numerous books such as Making Hay, The Organic Farming Manual, and Finding Good Farmland. In this comprehensive book, Hansen corrals the hobby farmer into the world of cowboys and cowgirls: she begins, “Beef cattle are as much at home on the hobby farm as they are on the range.” This colorful primer begins with the basics, from biological traits and breeds to behavior and life cycle, and describes exactly what’s required for a hobby farmer to maintain a herd of cattle—the four F’s—fencing, feed, fields, and facilities. Given the expense involved in the purchase and maintenance of beef cattle, all hobby farmers will welcome Hansen’s sound and sensible advice on buying the right cattle, whether steer calves for meat or breeding stock for building up a herd. The buying chapter helps farmers focus on what to look for when selecting cattle; how cows, heifers, and bulls are priced; where to purchase; and how to get cattle to your farm. The feeding and nutrition of cattle is a complicated topic, and Hansen breaks it down into the three basic components that every keeper needs to understand: pasture, hay, and grain. With directness and clarity, she explains the ins and outs of grazing, selecting ideal foodstuffs, using salt and minerals, and maintaining good weight on the herd. The reader can rely on her expert advice to learn the fundamentals of handling cattle, including herding, loading, and transporting cattle, as well as keeping beef cattle healthy through preventive methods, vaccinations, parasite control and veterinary assistance. For hobby farmers planning to breed their livestock, Beef Cattle includes a chapter on pairing cows and heifers, the actual breeding, artificial insemination, the care of pregnant cows, calving, caring for the young, and weaning calves. The final chapter of the book “Marketing and Processing Your Cattle” is geared toward hobby farmers looking to get beef processed, grade meat, and sell the final product. Sidebars of fun trivia, stories from farmers, and useful advice appear throughout the handbook. A glossary of over 100 terms; an appendix of health issues; a resource section of useful websites, books, and periodicals; and a detailed index complete the book.
The tools you need to raise and care for beef cattle Beef cattle farming is a business that continues to grow in the United States and around the world, and it will only grow larger as the demand for beef continues to increase. Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies provides you with an introduction to all aspects of raising beef cattle. Packed with expert tips from experienced farmers, it gives any level of cattle-raiser the tools needed to increase the quantity and quality of your farm's output and maintain a healthy herd. Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies is the go-to resource for aspiring cattle farmers. With important information on health, handling, and breeding, and detailed coverage of equipment and supplies, it is teeming with useful information that anyone interested in raising cattle should have. Advice on which beef cattle breeds to rear The prevention and treatment of common diseases Caring for pregnant heifers and calving procedures Dietary specifications dependent on breed Guidance on humane management Creating an open and safe pasture habitat If you're an aspiring cattle farmer looking to begin raising cattle or an established raiser interested in expanding your herd, Raising Beef Cattle For Dummies has you covered.
Successfully raise grass-fed cattle and enjoy the benefits of great-tasting beef and a financially stable enterprise. In this comprehensive guide, Julius Ruechel covers every aspect of raising healthy and thriving grass-fed cattle, offering advice on herd selection, pasture management, medical care, necessary equipment, winter grazing, slaughtering procedures, and more. With tips on creating a viable business plan and identifying niche markets for your beef, Ruechel provides everything you need to know to develop a profitable and environmentally sustainable grass-fed cattle operation.
Practical how to advice for raising beef cattle on virtually any farm, large or small! The Complete Guide to Beef Cattle Farming will help you To Discover How to Become a Beef Cattle Farmer. Raising beef cattle on a small scale is a popular and growing enterprise. The Complete Guide to Beef Cattle Farming delivers up to date, thorough introduction to all aspects of raising and caring for beef cattle, including choosing and purchasing, facilities and equipment, and proper nutrition. The Complete Guide to Beef Cattle Farming provides authoritative, detailed information to make your start into a new venture of raising beef cattle much easier This book will become your hands on guide to modern beef cattle farming. It covers things like; What Makes A Cattle Breed, Understanding Beef Cattle Prices, Beef Cattle marketing, Raising Beef Cattle For Profit, Developing a Herd, Grass Fed Beef Cattle, Miniature Beef Cattle, Bull Selection, Beef Cattle Genetics, Beef cattle Health Care and much more. Have you been thinking about raising hormone free beef for your family? Have a few acres and need something to eat the grass? This comprehensive, practical guide gives you expert advice on all aspects of breeding, raising and caring for beef cattle. Whether you're interested in beef cattle another source of income, as companion animals or a source for healthier meat for your family, you'll find all the latest information on facilities and equipment, feeding, health care, breeding, and much more. Do you speak cattle? The Complete Guide to Beef Farming has more than 30 pages of terms related to the beef cattle industry. You'll be up to speed with your "Cattle Speak" in no time. With help from this book you can Discover How to Become a Beef Cattle Farmer.
