President of the family-owned Coldwater Cattle Company since 1967, Joe Batson leverages a wealth of experience in his industry. With Coldwater based in Texas, the state that provides the world's largest source of cattle, Joe Batson draws from his life in the cattle industry to share expert advice oriented toward individuals new to the trade.

1. Advice for Beginning Cattle
Ranchers
by Joe Batson

2. Advice for Beginning Cattle
Ranchers
President of the family-owned Coldwater Cattle
Company since 1967, Joe Batson leverages a
wealth of experience in his industry. With
Coldwater based in Texas, the state that provides
the world's largest source of cattle, Joe Batson
draws from his life in the cattle industry to share
expert advice oriented toward individuals new to
the trade.

3. Advice for Beginning Cattle
Ranchers
Cattle ranchers have many opportunities to
nurture and raise their animals. Whether for beef
farming, dairy products, or other lesser-known
uses for cattle byproducts, such as the production
of paints, plastics, and paper, cattle farming offers
a wealth of choices. Before deciding what type of
cattle ranching you wish to perform, you must
acquire land suitable for the venture.
Fortunately, almost any type of land will do for
cows. Cows only require grass in order to
graze, whereas crops such as wheat and various
foodstuffs require very particular compositions of
soil.

4. Advice for Beginning Cattle
Ranchers
Next, consider the quantity of cattle you wish to
raise. Large ranches hold dozens or even
hundreds, while smaller areas provide for a
dozen or fewer. If you opt for a small number of
cows, aim for higher quality and breed more from
their stock. Remember to invest in a strong herd
bull for breeding purposes, or look into artificial
insemination. Similarly, do not feel overwhelmed
by the staggering numbers of cattle breeds in
existence. Focus instead on each animal's size
and quality. Research prospective sellers and
observe the cattle, focusing on their
alertness, movement, and eye brightness.

5. Advice for Beginning Cattle
Ranchers
Be careful purchasing calves with the intention of
raising them to full-grown sizes, typically over 400
pounds. While this activity comes with many
rewards, such as the knowledge that you raised
and fed the cattle properly into an animal that can
be sold for lucrative amounts or farmed for
various products, it also entails more work than
investing in fully grown cattle.