Cow-Calf herd selling calves

Feedlots, cattle dealers, auction markets, other farmers buying replacement heifers, and sometimes abattoirs for cull cows.

Mostly one or two sales a year of weaned calves at market prices, plus cull cow sales. Prices change with the market, and costs like feed, hay and fencing run all year.

• Cattle handling and herd health
• Calving and breeding know-how
• Pasture and hay planning
• Budgeting through price swings and bad weather

• Land is the biggest cost, so check lease terms and whether you can cover costs in a low-price year
• Cattle ID tagging, premises registration and movement reporting, which vary by province
• Farm liability and livestock insurance, and any workers' compensation rules if you hire
• Long winters mean a lot of hay or feed, and drought or flooding can force costly changes
• Check municipal zoning and environmental rules on manure, water and herd size

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $60,000 to $300,000 CAD, depending on whether you lease or own land and how large a herd you start with. Land is the biggest cost, so check lease terms against a low-price year.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $3,000 to $15,000 CAD, depending on herd size, calf sales and price swings. Winter feed, drought or flooding can force costly changes, so budget for a bad year.

Check cattle ID tagging, premises registration and movement reporting, which vary by province. Also check municipal zoning and environmental rules on manure, water and herd size, plus farm liability, livestock insurance and workers' compensation if you hire.