If you are looking into raising beef cattle, there are quite a few things you need to consider before you purchase your first animals:
- How do you choose sound cattle?
- What types of fencing will you need?
- What feeds and supplements will you provide your cattle with?
- What if health problems arise?
Once you start searching for answers to these types of questions, you will discover that there are a bewildering array of possibilities. For an easy-to-understand exploration of the basics, try Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle by Heather Smith Thomas.
The book proceeds in logical order, going from an overview of breeds and behavior to tips on buying and caring for your first cattle, to the issues of breeding, calving, weaning, and rebreeding. Nearly everything you need to know to get started is clearly explained. An extensive chapter on cattle health is also included.
Not so comprehensive as to be complicated, Storey’s Guide to Raising Beef Cattle is still complete enough to be a useful guide for beginners. Well worth reading before (and maybe even after) you purchase your first beef cattle.
Homestead on the Range 