There are more small farms in Australia than there are large, and this trend continues as an increasing number of larger farms are subdivided into smaller parcels. A growing demand for lifestyle blocks, in Australia and overseas, is fuelling an interest in the quieter, smaller breeds of cattle which have particular appeal as they are more manageable to control and maintain.

Small Cattle for Small Farms is ideal for those people considering buying a small farm for lifestyle or commercial purposes.

It was written in response to the many questions the author was asked by those seeking to purchase small cattle. It is these questions that form the basis of this practical and easy to understand guide.

The book assumes no prior experience with cattle, and covers all the basics to help you set up your small farm, including topics such as: types of cattle available, how to select your stock and care for them, stocking rates, fencing needs, vaccination requirements, methods of identification, and government requirements for land and stockowners.

For those wishing to show their cattle, there is a chapter explaining how to prepare for competitions. A section on marketing details how to make a successful entry into the commercial beef industry, and a list of cattle organisations directs readers to more specific information for their chosen breeds.

Features

• Answers real questions asked by those seeking to make a rural lifestyle change
• Deals exclusively with small cattle
• Information is provided in a detailed, easy to understand format with simple terminology

Contents
Introduction
Time for a Tree Change
Benefits of smaller cattle
Production systems: stud or commercial
Selecting a breed