Raising Cattle For the Agricultural Market
Raising cattle for the agricultural market is one of the largest industries found within the commodities market and one which comes with distinct rewards and challenges. Whether it be a small scale ranch run by several generations of family members or a huge commercial cattle enterprise there are several aspects of cattle ranching you will find necessary to understand prior to venturing into this field.
Breeds of Cattle
The type of cattle which you will raise will determine the type of ranch that you will operate. Some cattle such as Angus cattle are particularly prized for both their bloodlines as well as their end products. Breeding Angus cattle is one of the most rewarding types of farming that you can find in terms of monetary value. Raising other breeds of cattle particularly if you operate a commercial undertaking can also prove to be a great means of living.
Caring For Cattle
Many cattle ranches operate on the premise of providing these fine animals for both food and breeding purposes. Taking care of your cattle is the most important aspect of cattle ranching if you are in the business for breeding your cattle. You will require plenty of quality green pasture land which grows a diverse variety of grasses and grains as well as the necessary time to monitor your cattle on a regular basis.
You will need to be able to care for any sick cows and make sure that your herd has been properly vaccinated as determined by federally accepted standards. Your herd will require a degree of special care in the winter when you may find it necessary to move them to a warmer location or to provide them with shelter for the cooler months.
Long Hours
Cattle ranching will involve a lot of long, hard hours many of which many are often unplanned. You will need to be available or have someone else on hand seven days a week, around the clock. Animal emergencies can happen at any time of the day and raising cattle is no exception to this rule.
Your business will require extra ranch hands during the spring season when most of the animals give birth to their young. This is a special time of the year for most cattle raisers as they will be able to sell or to purchase additional cattle as soon as the calves are weaned. Most ranchers work on a set schedule in reguards to buying and selling their cattle. Usually the rancher will start doing a bit of research at this time of the year to track the price of cattle in their area prior to placing their stock up for sale. All cattle placed for auction or sale is required to be healthy and to be certified as such.
Cattle Auctions
Cattle auctions are often used when you merely have one or two cows that you desire to sell quickly. Many people take advantage of cattle auctions on a small scale basis while commercial ranches tend to sell herds of hundreds of cattle at a time. In addition to raising your animals for food if you happen to have a milk farm you will need to invest in some additional equipment before you can safely sell your milk on the commercial market.
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M Gravlee was in the cattle business for 26 years. He is now retired.
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