Published in Fall 2023
By: Hayley White, OSU Small Farms Program
Livestock animals can be a rewarding and sometimes profitable addition to a farm or rural property. To ensure a smooth and beneficial experience for you and the livestock, I recommend clear goals, research, and preparing for basics before you look for livestock.
What are your goals?
Setting clear goals before bringing animals to your property will help you navigate decisions when planning for livestock. A combination of goals and motivation is likely, and a passion for animal husbandry is necessary.
• Do you want to have livestock as pets?
• Do you want to raise your own food while having a hobby for your family?
• Do you want to cover your costs or make a profit?
There are many possible scenarios and different reasons for having livestock. Example: You enjoy goats and have invasive blackberries and other weeds on your property that you would like the goats to manage for you.
What will the goats require in terms of resources and your time? Calculating those costs and comparing them to the cost of managing the weeds without the goats (labor, fuel, herbicide, etc.) will give you an idea ahead of time on budgeting. Raising livestock for enjoyment is rewarding, but clear goals and realistic expectations on what they need upfront will lead to less disappointment.
How can you prepare?
When animals do not have the adequate nutrition, environment, and medicine they need, there can be fatal consequences. Key places to start in your research process should include:
Location
Plan for a designated area for your livestock based on the space requirements for your species and size of group. Fencing must be secure for your particular animals, and many will require shelter from rain and wind. If you use pasture, familiarize yourself with proper pasture management and create an overwinter area to prevent overgrazing and damage to the soil. Don’t forget the about manure! Animals produce manure, and by removing it and creating a covered compost area, you will reduce parasites, foul odors, and animal health problems.
Nutrition
Nutritional needs vary widely between species and sizes but also between sexes, life stages, and time of year. For example, a lactating sow may require more than three times more calories per day and different protein levels than a pregnant sow. Know the specific requirements for your animals and that it will change during the year to account for the animal’s physiological stage, plant stage if using pasture, and the environment. Energy (calories), protein, minerals, vitamins, and water requirements should be included in a nutrition program and plan for the cost to make sure it aligns with your budget.
Animal Health
We have all heard the phrase; “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” this is true with animal health. Investing up front by reducing exposure and providing preventative care will lead to less health problems. Research the vaccination recommendations for your animals and common health problems that may occur so you can recognize any symptoms. Organize an animal first aid kit to have supplies ready for emergencies. Problems like bloat, pink eye, scratch wounds, and more will happen and having supplies on hand and monitoring tools like a stethoscope and thermometer will be helpful. Lastly, having a client relationship with a livestock veterinarian before you have an emergency is essential. Livestock vets can be hard to find, and if you have a client relationship set up beforehand, you can get help when you need it.
A timely tip for people raising livestock for meat is to reach out to processors before you get livestock. There is a nationwide shortage of small, custom meat processors, and scheduling might be over a year out. Plan ahead and find a processor who can take on a new client.
Do your research!
With all of the information on the internet, it is necessary to find research-based and non-biased sources. I recommend searching for publications connected to the Extension Service and universities. There are also hands-on opportunities and education available locally. The OSU Extension Service, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and livestock associations like the Oregon Sheep Growers Association often have resources and events to share. With the right resources and preparation, your livestock will be healthy and happy, and you can meet your goals.