Starting a grass-fed beef ranch may appear to be a daunting task, but by picking the right land, keeping the herd healthy, and staying on top of the financials, this daunting task can become the first step in a self-sustaining living environment. For the most part, self-sustaining lifestyles have fallen to the side. With the conveniences of super markets and mass production farming, the thought of producing meat for oneself may seem inconvenient, but the health benefits from raising one’s own meat will inevitably outweigh the conveniences. To begin one must first choose land that will best benefit the type of cattle. The next step is figuring out what the cattle require. The requirements of veterinary assistance and a shelter are a good place to start. Lastly, the business will not run itself. There are steps that can be taken in order to stay on top of the financials and keep the business from failing. …show more content…
When it comes to choosing and buying the right land, one must know the size of the herd. Grass-fed cattle require more grazing land per animal to avoid over grazing (Romig). A major concern on most ranches is the waste that the cattle produce, but GF cattle produce less waste than corn and grain fed cattle, however if an animal’s waste is more widely dispersed, it will be better for the environment, ranch land, and animals themselves (Romig). It is also important to determine whether the intentions are to use vehicles or horses to run the operation, the owner will need to decide if the land is easily accessible by either of these. A natural, clean, fresh water source is not a requirement, however it can be very beneficial to the operation. The land being chosen should have enough space for the cattle (about an acre a head), plentiful vegetation, preferably a water source, and it should be easily