Raising Cattle For Profit Essay

While Arkansas is rich in its crops we are also big on cattle and livestock. Arkansas’ cattle inventory exceeds 1.7 million head, with 28,292 farms in Arkansas producing cattle. Arkansas is also ranked 12th nationally in bee cows on farms. Beef, pork, and chicken are the main meat that Arkansas farms. Cattle and calves contribute about 8% of the state’s livestock production. Chicken eggs, turkeys, and aquaculture complete the list of the top five livestock commodities produced in the state.

I raised commercial heifers and steers for several years, some being successful and some not as much. But all those years and activites ago, I never imagined I would be have taken on the challenges and leadership roles I have been audacious enough to face. The National FFA Organization is my most prideful youth-led organization I am apart of. I entered the FFA under the Diboll FFA Chapter my freshman year and am thankful for all of the opportunities and experiences I have received. Every year I have participated in different competitions that have developed my leadership skills and will help me in my future for career and life success. I also am an exhibitor in major and county livestock shows. I grew up raising cattle for the local county fair every year and it has been something I have truly loved to do. I have shown heifers and steers throughout my FFA career leaving with a banner almost every year. After so many years of competing and getting my name out, this is what I am mostly known for in my local show and

Ever since forty plus years ago Agriculturalists have shown a variety of show cattle and ran ranches with them. I showed cattle for a few years throughout my FFA experience. Cattle have played a huge role in our society feeding families and other people who reside in this world. Their effect on human culture is something that we take much pride in when raising our cattle whether it is for companion or meat products. Previous cattle showman know and strive to achieve the ultimate goal: winning grand champion. This reward is earned by having the best show calf in the ring to the judge’s perspective. In order to reach this goal, the exhibitor must use proper feeding methods and show technique. (Insert thesis here.)

The beef industry is an important asset to United States agriculture as a whole. Over a million agricultural entities benefited from the sales of cattle and calves in the year 2000. Gross totals from sales of cattle and calves in 2000 totaled $40.76 billion accounting of 21% of all agricultural receipts making the beef sector the largest single agricultural enterprise. Direct and indirect employment in or related to the production and processing of beef supports over 1.4 million full-time-equivalent jobs in the US as well. Cattle are produced in all 50 states and their economic impact contributes to nearly every county in the nation and they are a significant economic driver (Lawerance and Otto, 2000).

Today's competitions heifers and steers are specifically bred for shows. More than likely they are from breeders of club cattle. There is obviously a huge difference in club calves and commercial cattle. We are trying to put basically most of the traits you need in good commercial cattle, but then you add a little show ring pizzazz in them. They need that extra balance,quality, and eye appeal. “The difference is the hair and muscle they have in them,” said Jerry Riley of JDR cattle. “For breeding purposes I am going after that hair, that muscle, that bone that it takes to be a club calve compared to just a commercial cow. Mark Beauprez of Beauprez cattle stated, “There is a lot more of a show cattle look to these cattle.” “The lines are a lot straighter and they are prettier fronted, bigger boned, and a lot thicker of an animal”

Part of the farm has been used by the Austin Rains family to raise Angus beef cattle since 1987. Utilizing approximately 96 acres, the Rains family raises up to 40 cattle annually.

The top four meatpacking businesses hold 20 percent of the nation’s cattle in company owned feedlots or cattle bought before-hand, sometimes using secret pricing contracts (138). These farmers are doing everything they can to make a living. This includes rotation practices that big companies would never care about.

“I have raised 13 breed or reserve breed champions at major livestock shows in Texas as well as dozens of placing cattle,” Greg said. “I have also sold bulls that have sired two champions and many placing steers.”

Director Lancaster related that Dolphy Callen contacted him regarding wanting to graze his cattle on the Curtis Gravel Pit that is owned by the District. Director Lancaster related that Mr. Callen is willing to pay $20 per head of cattle per month to the District.

Taking into consideration that the weight of the cows is a key driver of calf weight, which in turn is the key driver of revenue.

Minimize the loss to the business by treating the animals humanely. Instead of injecting the animals with growth hormone, let them grow naturally. Cows won’t get udder infections and won’t need antibiotics (an unnecessary cost to the business). Give the animals more space and let them graze on the land as they would naturally and you won’t need preventative antibiotics. More space will help the animals grow and live as they were meant to. They will not be stressed. Their bones will not be brittle. Chickens can be stunned as they were meant to be before being slaughtered, the humane way.

My first experience with judging livestock is Dairy Cattle Evaluation as a Junior 4-H'er, which I have competed on the national level for both 4-H and FFA. I joined the Foster County 4-H Livestock judging team when I was in eighth grade because my sister and some of my friends are in livestock judging, and I also thought it will help me with my reasons for dairy judging. Once I joined the Carrington FFA, I also judged on the FFA team for 4 years, including this year, but I still judge as a 4-H member for State 4-H Livestock Judging. Last year at the Little I contest, I personally placed fifth in beef, i.e., a combination of beef placings and reasons, and I placed sixth overall. This year, Mrs. Hansen's goal is to win the state contest and compete

Showing steers is not as easy as some may think. You now see that there are many steps in preparing a show steer. Although, cattle aren’t easy to maintain they teach you responsibility and allow you to love them just as you love any other pet. Cattle have made a lasting impact in my life and I hope that they can make a lasting impact in yours as well.

Tracey Koester of Beef Magazine did an excellent job writing the article titled, "Is your herd health protocol as good as everyone elses?" This article explains a study done by the Red Angus Association of America and Kansas State University. This study interviewed cow-calf veterinarians about herd health practices.

Today’s beef industry is constantly battling false accusations of the public that affects the overall image of the industry. One of the key factors that has made this an issue is social media. Social media has the ability to inform, entertain, and influence its users. Social media has also allowed consumers to receive information about agriculture from sources that have no agricultural experience. Videos are made from seconds of footage that are perceived wrongly by groups that aim to negatively affect the image of the livestock industries, and many people have shaped their view of the livestock industry around the false information. Consumer perception of the cattle industry is important because the future and sustainability of the industry