Full-Time beef breeding herd

Livestock agents and saleyards, feedlots, backgrounders, other breeders and abattoirs.

You sell weaners, surplus heifers, cull cows and sometimes bulls. Income usually comes in lumps once or twice a year, so cash flow needs planning.

• Herd health, breeding and calving
• Pasture, water and fence management
• Budgeting around seasonal income
• Machinery and general farm work

• Check your state's rules on PIC registration, NLIS, animal health and biosecurity
• Many buyers expect Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) accreditation and a National Vendor Declaration, so check what applies
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire, under your state scheme
• Drought, disease and price drops can hit income hard, so plan finance and reserves carefully
• Farm work is physically demanding and dangerous: take care with cattle, vehicles and machinery

Startup costs are typically around $80,000 to $400,000, depending on whether you lease or own land, the size of your herd, and your fencing, yards and machinery needs. These are estimates, so plan finance and reserves carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on herd size, the season and the prices paid for weaners or breeding stock. Drought, disease and price drops can hit income hard, so plan reserves.

Check your state's rules on PIC registration, NLIS, animal health and biosecurity. Many buyers expect LPA accreditation and a National Vendor Declaration, so check what applies. Also look into public liability insurance and workers compensation once you hire.