Beef Cow-Calf Production Guide
A step-by-step beef cow-calf production guide for ranchers and new producers, covering the yearly cycle from breeding through calving, weaning and marketing of calves on a cow herd.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
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The steps on this page
- Set herd goals for the year
- Match cow numbers to available forage
- Plan the breeding season and bull needs
- Prepare calving area and supplies
- Watch cows and calves through calving
- Vaccinate and deworm per your veterinarian's plan
- Wean and sort calves
- Decide what to keep, sell or retain
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the Ranch Beef Cattle. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Cow vs Beef Cow Debate Ends When Dairy Cow Demands Back Pay, and ranching farm stories.