Getting Started with Beef & Dairy Cattle

Heather Smith Thomas, a lifelong cattle rancher and author of several previous books for more experienced farmers, offers a succinct layperson's guide to the basics of raising a small herd of cattle, whether for meat or dairy products. She outlines organic and natural farming methods and covers all the information needed to get started and be successful. <br><i><br>Getting Started with Beef &amp; Dairy Cattle</i> encourages new and beginning farmers to start small and start right. Thomas explains the basics of selecting and raising a calf, along with feeding, shelter, and care guidelines. She covers breeding and calving, as well as tips for managing a herd through the seasons. There is basic health care information for preventing disease and addressing common ailments. For those raising beef cattle, Thomas offers guidelines for butchering; for those raising dairy cattle, there are step-by-step guidelines on milking. <br><br>