How to Get Started in the Cattle Business in Kentucky

There are various types of cattle businesses, some of which do not breed at all.

Kentucky boasts the largest cattle industry east of the Mississippi River. The cattle are used for breeding, beef and dairy. Starting a cattle business in the state requires a knowledge of cattle and farming procedures as well as an understanding of the law and business management. Deciding what type of cattle business you wish to operate and getting advice from established cattlemen are some of the keys to rounding up your own enterprise.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Determine which type of cattle business you want to operate. There are three basic types of cattle operations. A seed stock operation breeds purebred animals to sell for further breeding or show stock. A commercial cattle operation breeds animals intended for the meat market. A feedlot operation does not breed cattle, but instead buys young cattle to prepare them in weight and size for the butcher.

2. Take advantage of resources about starting a small business in Kentucky. For instance, the Small Business Association publishes a Small Business Resource Guide for Kentucky, which advises readers of state-specific laws and regulations for various types of independent businesses. The Kentucky Small Business Development Center also provides information to people starting a new business and directs users to more specific resources and material depending upon the nature of the business and the entrepreneur's specific needs.

3. Meet with a few cattle business owners in Kentucky to get tips and advice. Seasoned professionals have knowledge of the local, state and federal regulations that affect a cattle business, as well as the permits, licenses and registrations that cattle business owners are required to maintain. They also know about the cattle market and the day-to-day duties of managing a cattle operation, from food and pasture specifications to veterinarians in the state. To find cattlemen in the state, join the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, which helps cattlemen to network with each other to promote the industry.

References

• Think Kentucky: Starting a Business
• Cattle Today: Getting Started in the Cattle Business Takes Planning
• Kentucky Cattleman's Association: History of the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: CATTLE INVENTORY, KENTUCKY, JANUARY 1, 2003-2009 1

Resources

• Small Business Association: SBA Small Business Resource Guide for Kentucky
• Kentucky Small Business Development Center: Home