Everything you need to know to raise cattle—for dairy or beef, on a large scale or small, organically or conventionally—from breeding to marketing.

A few head of cattle or a large herd, a small farm or vast ranch, dairy cows or beef: Whatever your circumstances or objective, if you want to raise cattle, this book tells you all you need to know. A primer for the new farmer and a refresher for the veteran, How to Raise Cattle guides readers through beef and dairy operations from beginning to end--from choosing the right breed to providing proper feed and shelter, and from the concerns of health care to the finer points of breeding and marketing. Clearly written and illustrated with helpful examples, the book covers beef and dairy enterprises large and small, conventional and organic. It will prove the essential resource for todays cattle farmer.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Raising Cattle

Chapter 2: Humans and Cattle—A Historical Perspective

Chapter 3: Getting Started—Farm and Cattle

Chapter 4: Facilities for Beef—What is Needed, What is Not

Chapter 5: Enclosures—Good Fences Make for a Good Neighbor

Chapter 6: Cattle Types—Choosing a Beef Breed

Chapter 7: Beef Production Systems—What’s Your Plan?

Chapter 8: Beef Production Systems—Organic, Sustainable, and Conventional

Chapter 9: Stocking Guidelines and Start-Up Economics for Your Beef Operation

Chapter 10: Feeding—Beef Cattle Nutritional Requirements

Chapter 11: Reproduction—Replenishing Your Beef Herd

Chapter 12: Nutrient Management—Handling Manure

Chapter 13: Husbandry—General Daily Beef Cattle Care

Chapter 14: Marketing the Meat—Saying Goodbye

Chapter 15: Milk—Nature’s Most Perfect Food

Chapter 16: Dairy Production—Basic Considerations and Facilities

Chapter 17: Dairy Cattle—Choosing a Breed

Chapter 18: Cow Care—Managing Dairy Cattle

Chapter 19: Exit Strategies—How to End a Beef or Dairy Enterprise

Chapter 20: Country Living—Realities of Rural Residency

Chapter 21: Help and Advice—Resources Available to You

Appendix: Breed and Association Addresses

Index

Midwest Book Review, July 2007

“Rural library holdings or college-level collections strong in agricultural sciences will find it a top primer introducing the topic.”

ANIMAL PEOPLE, animalpeoplenews.org, Oct. 29, 2007

“The utilitarian titles and the Future Farmers of America logo on the covers of How To Raise Chickens, How To Raise Cattle, and How To Raise Horses conceal and camouflage a wealth of indications inside about how profoundly animal advocacy is beginning to influence animal agriculture.”

Philip Hasheider lives on a farm with his wife and children in rural Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Since 1928, the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, has been dedicated to agricultural education. Today, there are more than 490,000 members in 7,210 chapters in all 50 states as well as 5,000,000 alumni around the country.

The contents of this book were reviewed and approved by Dr. Clint Rusk, Purdue University Associate Professor of the Youth Development and Ag. Education Department, in accordance with industry standards.

 

If you want to raise cattle—for dairy or beef—this book tells you all you need to know. How to Raise Cattle guides readers, whether new farmers or veterans, through beef and dairy operations from beginning to end—from choosing the right breed to providing proper feed and shelter, and from the concerns of health care to the finer points of breeding and marketing. Clearly written and illustrated, the book covers cattle enterprises large and small, conventional and organic. It is the essential resource for today’s cattle farmer.

No matter if your goal is to raise a few head or a large herd of dairy or beef cattle, the expert advice in this hands-on guidebook will tell you all you need to know. How to Raise Cattle: Everything You Need to Know guides readers through beef and dairy operations from beginning to end—from choosing the right breed and providing proper feed and shelter to the concerns of health care and the finer points of breeding and marketing. With more than 200 color photographs, the book covers conventional, sustainable, and organic farming practices to cover all aspects for anyone interested in raising their own herd.

 

Easy-to-follow advice helps you to:

·        Choose breeds and obtain cattle

·        House and feed cattle

·        Manage your herd and keep it healthy

·        Breeding programs

·        Deliver and raise calves

·        Show cattle at fairs and club meets

 

 

Since 1928, the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, has been dedicated to agricultural education. Today, there are more than 490,000 members in 7,210 chapters in all 50 states as well as 5,000,000 alumni around the country.

 

The contents of this book were reviewed and approved by Dr. Clint Rusk, Purdue University Associate Professor of the Youth Development and Ag. Education Department, in accordance with industry standards.

 

Author Philip Hasheider raises cattle on a farm with his wife and children in rural Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Imprint: Voyageur Press
Distributor: MBI Publishing Company
Publication Date: 03-15-2007
Pages: 192
Measurements: 10.63in X 8.25in X 0.50in X 1.38lb