Beef Producer

There are three different types of beef production operations: growing and feeding, breeding, and a combination of growing, feeding, and breeding operations. Growing and feeding operations are herds with calves or yearlings that are either raised or bought and then fed and fattened for slaughter. A breeding herd contains cows and bulls that are used to produce calves for sale as breeding or feeding animals. The combination of growing, feeding, and breeding operations is a large herd that grows with time. This type of herd is a combination of breeding cows and bulls as well as calves, yearlings and heifers for show or slaughter.

On beef producing farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year and not just at one time of the season. Many beef farmers monitor and attend to the health of their herds, which may include assisting in the birthing of animals. Other responsibilities are to operate machinery as well as maintaining equipment and facilities. Such farmers rarely get the chance to get away unless they hire an assistant or arrange for a temporary substitute.