I read somewhere that the average cattle herd in SD is 155 head. So when I had cattle I guess I was more or less average :roll:
As a thrifty bachelor, I could manage on less than 200 head. Today I don't know of many family operations who make a living without teaching school or a job in town. A lot of wives work town jobs for insurance and grocery money.
I'd say most family operations around here who are working toward bringing the next generation into ranching run at least 400-600 cows. Didn't know of any when I was a kid, but 1000 cow ranches are not unusual today.
Since homestead days, smaller operations like mine have and will continue to be absorbed by larger operations. The depopulation of rural areas continues, along with decreasing insfrastructure of rural schools, churches, and post offices.