🐄🌾 What Small Cattle Producers Should Know: A Vet’s 2025 Guide

Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

In Texas and across the U.S., most cattle operations are small herds. Despite often having fewer than 100 cows, small cattle producers collectively manage a substantial portion of the nation’s beef herd. In 2025, the economic pressure is real—but with the right knowledge and strategy, small-scale ranchers can be just as successful as large ones.

Let’s explore 7 foundational principles every small cattle producer should master, adapted for today’s challenges with practical veterinary insights. 🧠💼

🌱 1. Stewardship of Land, Water, and Livestock

Good stewardship is at the core of sustainable beef production. That means:

• 🪵 Rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing and erosion
• 💧 Maintaining clean water sources for livestock health and pasture preservation
• 🐂 Humane handling to reduce stress and injury
• 🌾 Soil testing to guide fertilization and forage planning

Even with 10 cows, how you manage the land determines long-term success. Grazing pressure must be matched to your forage output—something that small producers can often manage more nimbly than large-scale operations.

🩺 2. Build a Herd Health Program with Your Vet

Every herd—big or small—needs a custom health plan. Work with your local veterinarian to:

• 💉 Establish a vaccination schedule suited to regional disease threats
• 🪰 Implement parasite control tailored to your operation
• 🧪 Plan for testing (e.g., BVD, Johne’s, trichomoniasis)
• 📦 Review safe and cost-effective medication storage

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking “I only have a few cows—why bother?” One sick cow in a five-head herd is 20% of your operation. Prevention is better than cure, especially in small herds where each animal carries greater economic weight. 🛡️

🍽️ 3. Ensure Adequate Nutrition—Not Too Thin, Not Too Fat

Good body condition is critical for health and fertility. Use a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart:

• 💪 BCS 5–6 is optimal for breeding cows
• 🥩 BCS <4 increases the risk of reproductive failure
• 🥵 Overconditioned cows (BCS >7) can have calving issues

Feed quality hay, especially in winter. Have your hay tested for protein, energy, and mineral content—don’t rely on appearance alone. Feed costs are your largest variable expense, so get it right to avoid waste or deficiency. 🧾

👶 4. Focus on Reproductive Efficiency

This is the single most important factor for profitability. A cow that doesn’t wean a calf is a loss, no matter how healthy or gentle she is. Key steps:

• 🔎 Conduct preg checks at weaning time
• 💘 Keep short breeding seasons—no more than 75 days
• 🐂 Use fertile, sound bulls with passed Breeding Soundness Exams (BSE)
• 📉 Cull open cows early—don’t feed freeloaders

It’s not about how big your calves are—it’s about how many calves you wean. Focus on conception and calving rates first. 📈

🌾 5. Analyze Your Hay & Minimize Waste

Hay can be a silent profit-drainer. Here's how to turn it into an asset:

• 🧪 Test hay before feeding for Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and Crude Protein (CP)
• 🛻 Store off the ground under cover to reduce spoilage
• 🧺 Use hay rings or feeders to reduce trampling and wastage
• 📊 Balance with mineral supplements

Hay cost per ton + feed waste = a huge slice of your budget. Smart hay use can improve BCS and reduce supplement costs. 📉

💸 6. Buy in Bulk, Lease When Possible

Buying small quantities often means higher per-unit prices. Team up with neighbors or co-ops when possible to buy:

• 🍽️ Protein tubs & minerals
• 💉 Vaccines & syringes
• 🌾 Hay and feeds

Also consider leasing equipment or bulls—particularly for calving seasons or breeding cycles. It saves on maintenance, depreciation, and off-season costs. 💡

📚 7. Keep Learning—Attend Seminars & Extension Events

Ranching changes fast—climate, prices, genetics, regulations, and tools evolve yearly. Make time to learn:

• 📆 Attend university extension programs
• 📺 Join webinars and online producer groups
• 📖 Subscribe to cattle newsletters and publications

The smartest investment is your knowledge. One new insight can increase productivity, prevent loss, or save you thousands in vet bills or feed costs. 🎓

🧠 A Vet’s Final Thought for 2025

Small herd? Big potential. Whether you run 10 cows or 100, these principles set you up for success. Prioritize animal health, maximize fertility, manage feed with precision, and never stop learning. As Dr Duncan Houston, I’ve seen these 7 fundamentals help small producers thrive—even in tough seasons.

📣 AskAVet® Support

Want help designing a herd health plan, interpreting hay results, or planning your breeding season? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App for expert advice from veterinarians who understand small operations. 🐾💬

© 2025 Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc | Proudly brought to you by Ask A Vet Blog