What are the Benefits of Having Cows on a Homestead?

In general, the benefits of having cows on a homestead include having an organic milk source, an organic meat source, a return of cash value, and land management values. In addition, cattle can also provide tax benefits in some areas, and are relatively easy going in nature.

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The Benefits of Using Cows for Milk

On a homestead, owning cattle for milk may be beneficial if raw milk is not for purchase in your area. Raw milk is not considered safe by the CDC or FDA and therefore is not readily available. A benefit of having cows on your homestead is the availability of raw milk and milk products that come from a cow in milk.

Cost of Milk and Milk Products

Cost of milk and milk products will vary by family, but a single dairy cow can produce up to 2,305 gallons of milk per year or about 8 gallons of milk a day during her milking period. Per USDA recommendations, the average adult should consume 3 cups of dairy products per day. There are 16 cups in 1 gallon. Therefore, a productive cow, can feed a family with dairy products, with milk to spare.

On average, in 2021, consumers spent roughly $500 a year on dairy products. A dairy cow will cost $1,500 to $2,000, and around $2 to $4 per day for feed and water. To put the math simply, a single dairy cow will pay for itself in about a year.

Raw Milk

If your family is in the market for raw milk, but unable to own your own cattle, or purchase from a local market, buying into a “Herdshare” program may be the way to go. Herdshare programs involve buying a percentage of a milking herd to receive fresh, raw dairy without having to own a cow or have a cow on your property. These programs are often drawn up like a leasing contract and involve the farmer caring for and milking the cattle.

The Benefits of Using Cows for Meat

Another benefit of having cows on a homestead is their ability to become a meat source. A single cow can feed a family of four for a year. With the average cost of a 500lb steer (young, neutered male) being around $750 based on the 2022 market values, that roughly estimates to around $1.50/lb. At the grocery store, beef can be purchased from $3 to $12 per pound. Keep in mind, the animal must be fed to maintain or gain weight, and this may increase cost per pound.

Overall, raising cattle for meat has a positive return on investment, and can be sold to market for cash value. However, storing meat from a whole cow can be a challenge, as there is hundreds of pounds of meat.

Cash Value

The cash value of a single bovine is a major benefit of having a cow on a homestead. For cattle that have been raised for beef, their weight is measured by “cwt” or hundredweight. A full-grown cow that is 1,200lbs may go to market and fetch $1,500 to $1,900. Market value of a cow is dependent upon the health of the cattle, and the age. Some cattle may be sold at auction and can bring higher prices if well-bred and well taken care of. For more specific cash values of meat cattle, reach out to your local co-op or sale barn.

How to find out average market prices

In general, market prices are available at your local sale barn or in a cattle market report. Based on the area you live in, you can call the sale barn and inquire about pricing, or read the market report for your county.

There are newspapers and magazines you can subscribe to as well.

Are milk cows or meat cows more profitable?

Cows that have been raised for milk products are not as profitable as meat cattle, but also are beneficial in their cash value. The milk products produced from these cattle can be sold to help outweigh the cost of the cow itself. Milk can be made into butter, cheese, sour cream, and several other dairy products. The selling of raw milk is prohibited in many states. In Texas, raw milk may only be sold if the seller has obtained the Retail Milk Permit that is required.

Maintaining Pastures

Cattle also benefit a homestead due to their ability to maintain pastures. A single cow will consume about 2% of their body weight a day. If grazing in pasture, they will keep grass levels down and allow for proper fertilization of the soil. The animals do not eat weeds or trees but may chew on various plant matter to get vitamins and minerals.

Manure and Compost

Another benefit to having cows on a homestead, are their ability to fertilize the ground and add to your compost. Cattle produce a lot of manure and spread their manure wherever they are grazing. Manure can be left on the ground to decompose and will breakdown in a month or two in the right conditions. Otherwise, manure can be added to a compost pile and turned regularly to breakdown the material further. Consider a cow to be a multipurpose tool on your homestead. They provide, food, and fertilizer for growing more food.

The nitrogen in their manure provides nutrients to the soil and allows plants to thrive.

Tax Benefits of Owning Cows

Owning cattle on a homestead may also come with tax benefits. Cattle can be claimed under an agricultural exemption, which allows for deductions on purchasing of animals, feed, minerals, vet bills, and more. Visit our article about Agricultural Exemptions if you are interested in learning more.

In addition, cattle may be classified as depreciation or inventory. Dairy cattle are classified as depreciation as they add value to a homestead or farm over a lifetime and are considered a capital asset. Beef cattle that are raised primarily for sale are considered inventory and are calculated as such.

Is Having Cattle on a Homestead Therapeutic?

One benefit of having cows is the animal therapy they can provide. Cattle are calm natured, large animals that can be loving and nurturing much like a golden retriever dog. Spending time with cattle can provide a calming like sensation due to the stillness that they possess.

However, not all cattle are calm, just like any animal. Cattle that have been raised with kindness and in a humane nature, or more willing to treat you the same. Otherwise, cattle that have been treated poorly may lash out with kicking or running.

All things considered, adding a cow to your homestead is a big investment and will take time and money to care for. If you are unsure if cattle are the right addition to your homestead, consider the cons of having cattle on a homestead. If you would like to know the cons of having cows on a homestead, check out our article here where we discuss breeding, product storage, expense, shelter, and more.