I'm looking to raise a very small number of cows on a farm of about 75 acres in central Kentucky. I'm only interested in keeping three or four meat cows for personal use but I would like to be able to breed a new calf each year for harvest instead of buying a new one.
So basically, how much land should I have fenced off for these animals? Would they need to be herded into an indoor shed during bad weather or at night? Would I have to supplement their grazing during the summer months? I think the pasture on my property is pretty good, we keep horses on it, but I know very little about cows. How much would it cost to feed four cows, on average, and what would maximum cost be if I supplemented their feed year-round? Can cattle be pastured with horses, sheep, or goats?
What type of cattle would you suggest for the best meat, and how would you go about processing it? Would it be possible for me to do this at home, or would it be more cost-effective to send the meat to a butcher? Would one cow be enough to supply a family of four for a year?
Anything else you think is important would be greatly appreciated! Thank you ^^
So basically, how much land should I have fenced off for these animals? Would they need to be herded into an indoor shed during bad weather or at night? Would I have to supplement their grazing during the summer months? I think the pasture on my property is pretty good, we keep horses on it, but I know very little about cows. How much would it cost to feed four cows, on average, and what would maximum cost be if I supplemented their feed year-round? Can cattle be pastured with horses, sheep, or goats?
What type of cattle would you suggest for the best meat, and how would you go about processing it? Would it be possible for me to do this at home, or would it be more cost-effective to send the meat to a butcher? Would one cow be enough to supply a family of four for a year?
Anything else you think is important would be greatly appreciated! Thank you ^^