Description
Book SynopsisEvery farm needs a cow open the gates!
With an approach built around investing for the long term, Homestead Cows prepares homesteaders and small farmers to open the farm gate to cattle, whether a single milk cow or a small beef herd.
Homestead Cows covers the A to Z of husbandry:
- Cow history, biology, diet, and nutrition
- Understanding what you want, what''s involved, and creating a plan
- Selecting breeds and determining herd size
- Housing and facilities, transportation, and equipment
- Financial management and the dollars and cents of cows
- Breeding and reproduction
- Cow health and happiness, including safety, handling, and good husbandry
- Processing, products, and cooking.
Cattle are the most productive, versatile, and low-input sources of food and revenue on the farm and can help regenerate and build soil. The secret to success is excellent management
Trade Review
"In Homestead Cows, Callene and Eric Rapp take us on an epic journey that covers everything bovine in a uniquely approachable and systematic way. The book covers everything from the history of cattle to the ins and outs of choosing a breed that's right for you and gives you the tools to manage your experiences in a way that's humane for the cattle, the homesteader, and the land. This book is a must-read for every homesteader and small holder with an interest in keeping cattle for virtually any purpose, and would help bring husbandry back to large-scale operators who view cattle as a mere commodity."
—Hank Will, editor, Mother Earth News
"Homestead Cows is a gem of a book full of great advice for anyone thinking about keeping cattle. It's a must read for newbies!"
—Jeanette Beranger, senior program manager, The Livestock Conservancy
"This book covers all the aspects of cattle raising for the beginning farmer who's trying to traverse the landscape of farming. Callene and Eric have drilled down into the howto, without being preachy, to build the knowledge you will need when you put your first animals in your first pasture and watch them thrive. The only thing it doesn't cover is the number of old and new curse words you'll learn and use when you hit your shins on the trailer ball. I'm going to order a bunch and it should be a paperback that will fit in your back pocket or that Carhartt jacket pocket."
—Carrie Balkcom, executive director, American Grassfed Association
"Homestead Cows is an excellent book for anyone interested in raising their own cattle. This book is chock-full of fantastic information useful for experienced cattlemen and novice farmers alike. I would feel confident putting this book in someone's hand and knowing they have all the information they need to raise their own cattle. Callene and Eric did an excellent job writing a book that was easy and enjoyable to read!"
—Emily Nyman, heritage livestock expert, photographer, living history reenactor
"Cattle have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and people have worked side by side with them, benefiting greatly from the relationship. Dual and triple purpose breeds had many uses including draft power, along with milk and meat. Since 2008, Eric and Callene Rapp have owned and raised Pineywoods cattle when they acquired a bull and seven cows to help conserve this triple purpose breed. They've now compiled all of their cattle raising knowledge into an easy to read book that is perfect for someone who is interested in raising some of their own. Homestead Cows is a comprehensive guide that is perfect for the beginner, but is still useful for the experienced cattleman."
—Alicia Boor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Cottonwood District, K-State Research and Extension
Table of ContentsDedication
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Humans and Cattle
A Brief History of Cattle
What’s Your Plan?
Chapter 2: Breeds and Cow Selection
Breeds of Cattle
Dairy Cattle
Beef Cattle
Breed and Environment
Temperament
Where to Get Your Cattle
Selecting Breeding Stock
Health Papers
Chapter 3: Handling, Transportation, and Infrastructure
Working Safely Around Cattle
Transporting Cattle
Fencing
Facilities and Equipment
Chapter 4: Cattle Biology
Forage and Digestion
How Cattle Handle Heat
Cold Weather
Chapter 5: Nutrition and Feeding
Major Nutrients
Concentrates
Choosing Quality Hay
Body Condition
Determining Supplemental Feed Needs
Chapter 6: Reproduction in Cattle
Estrous in Cattle
Pasture Breeding
Puberty
Artificial Insemination
Chapter 7: Calving
Stages of Labor
When Things Go Wrong
When to Rebreed
Calving Season
Care of the Newborn Calf
Chapter 8: Raising Calves
If Mom Does the Work
Bottle Raising a Calf
Weaning from Mom
Buying a Calf for Beef
Considerations for Bringing Home a Bucket Calf
Chapter 9: Cattle Health
Castration
Behavior and Appearance of Healthy Cattle
Antibiotics
Immunity and Vaccinations
Common Health Problems in Cattle
Health Problems for Calves
Health Problems for Cows
Chapter 10: Milk and Milking
How the Cow Makes Milk
Milking the Cow
Milking Equipment
Raw Milk
Milking Basics
Handling Raw Milk
Chapter 11: Beef
When to Process
Freezer Space
Beef Cuts
Chapter 12: Cattle and Environment
Grassfed Beef
Grazing Systems
How Grass Grows
Types of Grasses
Grazing Behavior
Implementing a Grazing Plan
Evaluating Pastures
Creating a Sacrifice Area
Deciding Paddock Size
Glossary
Additional Reading
Index
About the Authors
A Note About the Publisher
