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Producing quality beef is an ongoing challenge and huge responsibility regardless of the size of the farm operation. It is not always a big time consumer unless the operation is extremely large, however it does require much training, knowledge and some investment of both time and money. Healthy and safe beef for consumption is always wanted and needed whether it is for resale to the public or for your own family and this becomes the responsibility of the herd owner or person that is watching over the small beef cattle farm. As managers you will need to maintain records of everything that is used in beef cattle production on the farm including things like feed, water, vaccination and sanitation. You will want to have or acquire all the information and training to keep everything in check.
Maintaining consistent quality will require you to be consistently on time with all your management chores however small or large. Things like routine cattle checks or daily walks through the herd, feeding on time, adequate and clean water supply and basic health care. Keep a regular checkup on your pastures to be sure the cattle have a consistent quality source for grass at all times. At times we think we are running a grass farm instead of beef cattle farming.
Rotational grazing is a practice that is invaluable on any size beef cattle farming operation, you can easily double your capacity this way. For instance consider how fast your lawn grows and then make a comparison to a pasture that is allowed to rest a few days without daily grazing. I have always wanted a grazing setup consisting of 30 small pastures and rotate the cattle to a new pasture everyday. Stop and think how lush the grass in each new pasture will be after allowing 30 days rest and undisturbed growth. This is something you really need to experience to fully understand its impact.
Fat healthy cattle are always important when you are striving for superior beef cattle production. Be sure all new animals entering the herd are free from any kind of infections, parasites or insects.You may even want to consider isolated them from the rest of the herd for a time just to be sure they don't spread an unknown disease or infection. Always consult a qualified veterinarian to check animals when you are not comfortable with your own diagnosis and treatment. Good early veterinary care costs money but generally always saves in the long run. After all beef from sick or diseased animals is not something to be marketed or consumed by your own family. Quality and healthy beef must always remain the top priority on any beef cattle farming enterprise for it to be successful.
Beef cattle production also has a few seasonal needs with the main ones being summer fly control and year round internal parasite control. These will vary from one location or area to another so it is best to check with your local veterinaran to determine the best program for your area. Never forget the newly born calves when any type herd procedure is in order. You will also want to remember to always take care of the new calves in a timely manner even when whole herd practices are not called for.
Always remember that accurate records are the most important thing for any successful beef cattle farming operation. Records of herd health treatments, drugs used and time administered. And of course all of the weights and measures of each individual animal especially being sure that each cow gives you a calf every year.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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