Day 22 Assignment

1. First, honestly contemplate a life of cattle farming. Any animal endeavor comes with considerable responsibility, so make sure that you understand it and are willing to make the commitment or rearing your own livestock. Consider if you can enlist help from friends or neighbors if you have to go away, or need someone to do a night feeding when you’re out at the movies, or aren’t able to get out of bed because of illness or injury, etc.

2. Think about what you want to get out of your cattle farming endeavor.
   1. Do you just want some fresh milk and dairy? If so, is it for your personal consumption or would you be willing to produce enough to barter or sell?
   2. Do you want cattle for beef? If so, do you currently have the space and infrastructure (or ability to create it)?

3. Research how many cattle can be maintained on good pasture in your area. Local agricultural extension offices or the USDA website will assist you.

4. Research what fodder trees and feed crops grow well in your climate.

5. If you have less land than necessary to pasture a cow and calf year-round, consider if you have space for some pasture, some fodder trees, and some feed crops on your land.

Happy homesteading,

Con Murphy
Your Total Independence Coach, Live and Invest Overseas