08/29/2026
Beef has been in the news a lot lately, so let’s break down some numbers.
What does it actually take to grow the herd?
It starts with a farmer being willing to hold back heifer calves, knowing it will be 18 months before she is ready to breed. Then there’s another 9 months before her first calf is born. And that calf will take another 24–28 months before it is market-ready, processed, and eventually makes its way to your dinner table.
So, what do you think can change in 4½ years?
I’m betting money on a lot.
The average age of the American farmer is 58 years old. Farming is a tough line of work, with farmers gambling every year on markets, weather, land prices, input costs, and consumer demand.
So as we look at the current state of the American cattle herd, take a moment to consider the time, dedication, sacrifice, and prayer that goes into growing that herd.
Our small herd started with just 6 cows, and over the past 10+ years, we have slowly grown. We have purchased a few along the way, but we truly believe in building a “homegrown” herd, cattle that are raised here, adapted to our environment, and selected to work in our system.
And there’s a pretty cool genetics conversation that goes along with that. 😉
Growing a herd doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of intentional decisions, patience, and a willingness to invest in something that may not pay off for several years down the road.
It also takes a commitment from consumers who want to know where their food comes from, who raised it, and how those animals were cared for.
There is so much more behind the package of beef at the grocery store than what you see on the label.
It takes time to grow good cattle, and it takes time to build a food system. 🐂❤️