How to Raise a Cow for Beef: The Complete Guide for Beginners

Raising cows for beef can be a rewarding experience for any homesteader or small farmer Having a freezer full of high-quality, homegrown beef is not only satisfying, but can also save money compared to purchasing beef at the grocery store However, raising cattle does require some planning, preparation, and knowledge. In this complete guide, we will cover everything a beginner needs to know about raising cows for beef.

Choosing a Beef Cow Breed

The first step is selecting the right beef cattle breed for your needs. Some popular breeds for small-scale beef production include:

• Angus – Known for producing nicely marbled beef and calving ease Angus cattle are naturally polled (hornless) and have a docile temperament

• Hereford – A hardy, thick-bodied breed that does well on pasture. Herefords are red in color with white faces.

• Dexter – A smaller dual-purpose breed used for both milk and meat. Great for small acreages.

• Jersey – Although a dairy breed, Jersey steers produce excellent beef. Jerseys are smaller-framed and efficient grazers

• Crossbreeds – Crossbred cows with Angus, Hereford or other beef breed genetics often make great beef cows.

Consider availability in your area, temperament, calving ease, and grazing ability when selecting a breed. Larger-framed British breeds like Angus and Hereford are good choices for beginners.

Acquiring a Cow and Calf

You can purchase cows and calves from cattle breeders, at livestock auctions, or directly from dairy farms. Buying locally when possible allows you to inspect animals before purchasing. Expect to pay market price or higher when buying directly from farms or breeders.

Another option is purchasing weaned calves, known as feeders. You’ll then raise the calf yourself versus purchasing a cow-calf pair. Feeder calves are less expensive but require more time and management until ready for processing.

Providing Adequate Pasture

Cattle require quality pasture to graze. As a general rule, one acre can sustain one mature cow-calf pair for the grazing season. More acreage is better, and you can extend grazing by dividing fields into smaller paddocks and rotating livestock.

Improved grass mixes suited to your climate create more nutritious forage. Consult with your local agricultural extension office for recommended grass species.

Supplemental Feed and Hay

While pasture provides the majority of nutrients during the growing season, you’ll need to supplement with hay and possibly grains during the winter.

Figure about one large round bale of hay per animal for the non-grazing months. Store hay covered and off the ground. Feed hay in ring feeders to reduce waste.

Grain isn’t required but can provide extra calories and nutrition. Work with an experienced cattle producer or nutritionist on appropriate supplemental feeding.

Providing Water, Minerals and Shelter

Cattle need unlimited access to clean water. Plan water systems before animals arrive. Natural sources like ponds are ideal, when available. Otherwise, use heavy duty stock tanks.

Provide loose minerals formulated for cattle. Free-choice mineral access allows cattle to balance their micronutrient intake.

A basic three-sided shelter gives refuge from sun, wind, and cold precipitation. Well-drained bedding inside absorbs moisture.

Containing Your Cattle

Invest in quality perimeter fencing before acquiring cattle. The most common types are barbed wire, electric, and wood. Barbed wire and electric fencing are typically the most cost-effective for larger pastures. Use at least four strands of barbed wire, properly spaced.

Check fences regularly and repair any damage immediately. If a determined cow wants out, she will find the weak spot. Proper fences prevent escaped cattle and potential liability.

Breeding Your Cow

You have three main options for breeding your beef cow:

• Artificial insemination (AI) – Breed to top genetics without owning a bull. Requires proper cattle handling facilities.

• Borrow or rent a bull – Arrange temporary breeding to a neighbor’s bull. Low cost but limited gene pool.

• Own a bull – Gives maximum convenience and calf uniformity. Requires facilities and bull management expertise.

First-time cattle owners often opt for AI or renting a bull. Discuss pros and cons of breeding options with local cattle producers to decide what works best for your situation.

Caring for the Newborn Calf

Typically, beef cows can calve without assistance. Monitor expecting mothers closely and intervene if needed. Remove the calf to a clean, dry area and clear mucus from the nose and mouth directly after birth.

Ensure the calf stands, nurses, and receives colostrum shortly after birth. Supplement with colostrum replacer if mother’s milk is delayed. Watch for scours (diarrhea) and other illnesses in newborns and consult a veterinarian as needed.

Weaning and Raising the Calf

Allow calves to naturally wean from their mothers around 6-8 months of age. Wean calves in groups rather than individually to reduce stress. Gradually transition from milk to grass, hay and feed rations.

Adhere to your veterinarian’s health program for vaccinations, deworming, and sign of illness. Work closely with your veterinarian when raising cattle as a beginner.

After weaning, confine calves to a smaller area with shelter, hay and feed. This eases the transition from milk to solid foods. Once adapted, turn out with the herd.

Butchering and Processing

Steers are typically ready for processing around 18-24 months of age. Heifers may be processed earlier, around 12-18 months. Avoid butchering animals still in rapid growth stages.

Cattle should be finished to adequate fat cover before processing for proper flavor and tenderness. Work closely with your processor to ensure you produce high-quality final beef products.

Butchering in the fall when daytime temperatures are cool but not freezing is ideal. This allows beef to hang and age properly.

Is Raising Beef Cattle Worthwhile?

When done properly, raising a family beef cow can produce over 500 lbs of beef for the freezer. That’s a huge return on your investment of time and resources!

And by raising your own, you control everything that goes into producing your beef. Beyond the high-quality meat, you gain invaluable experience and the satisfaction of learning a new homesteading skill.

Consider your goals, available time and resources, and then try your hand at raising a cow for beef. The hands-on education and top-notch food source make it a worthwhile endeavor.