“Don’t dream it, live it” is a quote that gets shared across social media platforms to encourage people to live out their dreams instead of just thinking about them. These words of wisdom ring true for a first time cattle owner from Missouri who has dreamed of having cattle since he was helping his grandfather bottle feed calves as a child. This past summer he finally decided to make his dream a reality by purchasing his first head of cattle. I sat down recently to get the down-low on his journey to cattle ownership.

Why did you want to have cattle?
I have always had a passion and desire to raise cattle. My grandparents raised cattle so growing up and watching them tend to and care for animals the right way made we want to carry that on and raise my own. I also love the whole process – from having good pastures, to feeding, and calves and weaning. I just enjoy seeing how it all comes together.

Who influenced you the most to be a cattleman?
My grandpa was the biggest influence on my love for cattle. When I was with him he would always let me help him and even though he may have not had the largest operation, his love for cattle initiated my love for cattle. He also got me my first calf for my 16th birthday.

What do you like so far about having cattle?
I like the responsibility of having them. Without me, they would not get fed or have water to drink. Even though it adds to my daily tasks, it brings me joy.

What is the most challenging aspect of having cattle?
I would say time management is the biggest challenge. I seem to always be busy or have something going on, so adding more things to my plate can be difficult some days.

What are your plans or goals for your herd?
Ultimately, I would like to have a cow-calf operation. I purchased open heifers in late summer with a plan to breed them in the spring. If spring calving goes well, I hope to add additional heifers in time for fall breeding.

What type of cattle do you have?
Right now I have Hereford-Red Angus Cross. My goal is to get to registered Hereford, but I decided to start with crossbred heifers until I can afford to invest in purebreds.

Do you only want cattle?
No, I would love to expand. I worked on a hog farm in college so I would like to add some pigs to my ‘farm’, but the pigs would be more of a hobby. Horses are also on my wish list to help work my cattle.

What is your feeding plan?
Your cow-calf herd nutrient plan is very important. You can divide it into 4 phases,
1) maintenance 2) lactation 3) growth 4) reproduction. As of right now, I am feeding grain to help supplement weaning calves until they are fully grazing well enough. They will mostly graze and consume hay until the calving season is upon us and begin supplementation or feeding a mineral 30-45 days before calving to make sure their body condition is at a 5 or 6 to set them up for a successful calving season. Then the ones that I am finishing off will get fed grain.

What are your thoughts about the meat market right with so much hate towards beef?
I think these people are crazy! Some of the things I’ve read and listen to, I don’t understand where they get these ideas. With technology and social media, there is such a gap and separation on agriculture and where things come from. Everyone sees farmers as bad people doing bad things. However, farmers, especially large operations, have more regulations and guidelines by the USDA they have to follow; otherwise, they are penalized. Despite what is shown on social media, they do things the right way and care for the animals and the land they own.

Are you nervous about entering the cattle industry?
There are always risks with everything you do but I firmly believe that the cattle industry will stay strong. I think there will be waves of good times and bad times but I think there are too many ranches, farms, and “beef” people to drastically hurt it.

Do you have a name for your cattle company?
As of right now, I do not have a name for my cattle company but it is in the works. I want my brand something that future generations can be proud to carry on.

What is one thing you would say to encourage someone who is hesitant to live out their dream?
I would say never hesitate to make a mistake. Even though you may not be an expert in something, you have to start learning somewhere. Find someone you look up to or has a lot of experience and ask questions. Help out with someone else’s operation first to see if it’s something you could see yourself doing.