When people go into agriculture, they can choose from two major fields: ranching or crop production.

Those who ranch often choose to work with cattle because the demand for beef is good. However, the
beef industry has advantages and disadvantages that impact how the workers operate and what the
profit ultimately is.

Regulations

Because beef cattle have the potential to spread disease, and because cattle ranching and beef
production requires some heavy-duty machinery, you must adhere to strict regulations related to safety
and sanitation. In addition, you must follow recommendations for humane treatment of the cattle, which
crop farmers do not need to address. You must also know environmental, wage and labor and zoning
laws.

Attention and Care

Crops admittedly need routine attention and monitoring, but much of crop care can be handled
somewhat automatically through irrigation systems, and crop farmers don't need to check the crop every
day. By contrast, cattle always need food and water, as well as clean stalls and medicine if sick. If you
raise dairy cattle, there is additional care related to milking and birthing calves.

Manure

Manure can be an advantage and disadvantage for the beef industry. On the one hand, manure smells
strongly and has the potential to carry disease and pollute. On the other hand, manure can revitalize
land as a fertilizer.

Expense

Similar to other farmers and ranchers, those in the beef industry have overhead expenses to cover.
These include but are not limited to immunizations; utilities and repair for cattle and storage buildings;
feed and water; transporting milk and animals; veterinary care and breeding or artificial insemination.
This can add up to thousands of dollars per year.

Animal Rights

Unlike those who raise crops, those in the beef production industry have to deal with allegations and
protests by animal rights advocates. This can be time consuming and costly, and even you eventually
show you are following the law and treating your animals as humanely as possible, advocates still can
tarnish your reputation.
Immediate Use

Crops like wheat and corn have a much better shelf life than beef -- they can be made into items such as
flour that can be stored and frozen. In the beef industry, the product has to be sold quickly after the
slaughterhouse receives the animal because it will spoil. Freezing helps somewhat, but after several
months, the meat can become freezer-burned and lose its appeal.

Plant and Water Control

A major advantage the beef industry has is that, instead of creating new plants that can decrease the
diversity of the ecosystem and increase fire hazards, beef cattle, when allowed to graze freely, keep plant
numbers under control. Irrigation systems also can divert water away from areas plagued by floods. At
the same time, ranches provide enough open land to support other wildlife like birds and rabbits. This
helps stabilize the ecosystem.

Energy Conversion

One advantage of the beef industry is the ability of cattle to convert energy for people. Cattle can eat
plants and grasses people normally could not digest and use. By producing beef, people have a way to
tap otherwise unusable energy, vitamins and minerals.

Weather

Crop farmers are dependent on good weather to make a profit. If cattle ranchers get into bad weather,
they can move their asset and product to a safe place until the weather changes. This can minimize loss.
Similarly, beef manufacturers can operate year-round, whereas crop farmers must adopt a seasonal
schedule.

by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like

High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, Medication, Diet

Barnet

I've discovered the beauty of movement just by using this all natural cream once a day
Sustafix

A Fix For Tired Eyes

Opti PH

Moving to Canada is The best choice for you and your family!

Canada Immigration Express

References (2)

United States Department of Agriculture; U.S. Beef and Cattle Industry: Background Statistics and
Information; May 2011

National Resources Defense Council: Facts about Pollution from Livestock Farms; January 2011

About the Author

Wanda Thibodeaux is a freelance writer and editor based in Eagan, Minn. She has been published in
both print and Web publications and has written on everything from fly fishing to parenting. She
currently works through her business website, Takingdictation.com, which functions globally and
welcomes new clients.

Photo Credits

BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Cite this Article