Your attitude and understanding of the time frame makes me lean to yes you can make a small profit if you are careful.
Dun makes a good point about leasing the grass being easier, but some people really enjoy what we consider the grunt work of cattle.
If you are serious, I would form an alliance with an established producer who will sell you good cattle and provide some guidance. Don't consider Joe the guy down the lane that buys and sells at the local sales barn an established producer. Even if he has done that for 30 years. Even the breeder who has an annual sale with status quo buyers wouldn't be the best choice. You need someone who is progressive and can change with the markets and weather.
First step is to get the grass and fences ready. Understand numbers of cows per acre and when will they need to be fed. Good grass and management will allow longer grazing, less work and better return per head, but not necessarilly per acre.
On a small operation you will be better served if you can market calves with another producer with similar cattle, perhaps even the producer you bought from.
I offer these services, but only on a purebred basis. I have customers in Canada and the States with crossbred cattle that will sell top quality stock, but marketing would be difficult if the distance is too far.
Jason Trowbridge Southern Angus Farms Alberta Canada
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