How to Raise Beef Cattle for Profit

Raising beef cattle for profit is a little more challenging these days. Ranchers are finding it more and more necessary to think outside the box when it comes to selling their beef. Read on to learn how to raise beef cattle for profit.

Instructions

1. Create a niche that will set apart from other beef ranchers. Some examples of existing niches are Conservation Beef, Yampa Valley Beef and Homestead Beef.

2. Write a business plan that forecasts a profit

3. Create a separate business entity (to protect the ranch) to aid in minimizing liability.

4. Be familiar with your processing plant's ability to process, package and distribute beef--both its strengths and weaknesses.

5. Direct marketing your beef can increase your income because it not only adds a new enterprise to your ranch, but helps you retain ownership.

6. Gain a profit by creating a positive image for the beef industry. This can be through the appearance of the ranch, the manner in which the cows are fed and other methods.

7. Target areas of the world in which beef consumption is not high, like the Middle East.

8. Spend time on creating a catchy label and logo for your products that will translate well into other items like T-shirts, hats, mugs and more.

9. Consult books that teach how to market to women. Women buy most of the food for their families in the United States. Think about how you can make your beef attractive to them.

10. Research who your buyers will be both in the United States and abroad, and learn more about their lifestyles and culture so that you can market directly to them.

11. Take time to create your business plan, incorporating all of your research.

12. Figure out a market for the lesser cuts of meat so you do not build up an inventory.

13. Decide what kind of a business structure you will have, such as a LLC (limited liability corporation), a LLP (limited liability partnership) or sole proprietorship.

14. Work closely with a small- or medium-sized processor that is USDA inspected. Having a meat scientists involved with the processing can help ensure consistency. Being in fairly close proximity is also a must.

15. Start small. Your beef profits will start small, but it will allow you to adjust your plan accordingly to experience and market conditions.

Resources

• The Government of Alberta for an Article on Niche Marketing of Beef