Full-Time livestock breeding farm

Other farmers and ranchers, auction buyers, 4-H and FFA families, and direct buyers who want quality breeding animals or locally raised meat animals.

Sales of breeding stock, feeder animals and cull animals, through private sales, livestock auctions and online listings. Registered animals with strong records can earn a premium, and some farms add breeding fees.

• Livestock breeding and herd health
• Pasture, hay and feed planning
• Farm budgeting and marketing
• Equipment handling and basic repairs

• The startup cost range assumes you lease land or already own it. Buying land would add a very large amount on top, and a starter herd, fencing, handling facilities, hay equipment and transport can also be costly, so plan carefully
• State and federal rules on animal ID, health testing, brand inspections and interstate transport, so check with your state department of agriculture
• Farm liability insurance, livestock coverage and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Manure, water and environmental rules that may apply as herd size grows, so check with your county and state
• Prices and feed costs swing with weather and markets, so income can vary a lot from year to year

Startup costs are typically around $100,000 to $450,000, depending on herd size, fencing, handling facilities and equipment. That range assumes you lease land or already own it. Buying land would add a very large amount on top.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on herd size, what you sell and market prices. Prices and feed costs swing with weather and markets, so income can vary a lot from year to year.

Check with your state department of agriculture on animal ID, health testing, brand inspections and interstate transport rules. Also check farm liability and livestock insurance, and county and state manure and water rules that may apply as your herd grows.