We’ll start with the “why” behind the herd. This session will help participants identify their goals and evaluate the land, facilities, time, resources, and management style they have available. The goal is to give them a strong foundation before they begin making decisions about breeds or purchasing cattle.

Josh will explore the different ways a cattle operation can be structured and how those choices influence management, resources, and potential income. He plans to discuss various business models and approaches, the pros and cons of each, and considerations for determining what may fit an individual operation. He’ll also weave in beginning-rancher considerations and available resources to help participants understand some of the opportunities and support available as they get started or grow.

This session will introduce the differences among cattle breeds and breed groups, including traits such as mature size, maternal ability, growth, adaptability, temperament, and other characteristics that may influence breed selection. The goal is to help participants look beyond appearance or breed popularity and consider which characteristics best support their own goals, environment, and resources.

This session will move from choosing a breed to evaluating the individual animals that will become part of the herd. We’ll look at practical considerations when selecting breeding stock, including structural soundness, reproductive potential, health, disposition, genetics and performance information, as well as how an individual animal fits the overall goals of the operation.

Our final session will bring everything from the month together. Participants will use their goals, available resources, preferred type of operation, desired breed characteristics, and breeding-stock priorities to begin developing a practical plan for building—or reevaluating—their own herd and identifying their next steps.