Here's a breakdown of what they do:
* Breeding and Raising Cows: Cow-calf producers maintain herds of breeding cows and bulls. They ensure proper nutrition and care for the cows, including vaccinations and parasite control, to ensure healthy calves.
* Calving: During the calving season, the cows give birth to calves. The producers often assist with calving to ensure the safety of both the cow and calf.
* Raising Calves: The calves are typically allowed to nurse from their mothers for several months, receiving colostrum (the first milk, which provides vital antibodies) and essential nutrients.
* Weaning: Once calves are old enough, typically around 6-8 months, they are weaned from their mothers. This means they are separated from the cows and start consuming solid feed.
* Selling Calves: After weaning, the calves are typically sold to either:
* Feedlots: These operations further fatten the calves for slaughter.
* Other ranchers: These ranchers may raise the calves for a longer period before selling them for slaughter.
Key Characteristics of Cow-Calf Producers:
* Land Intensive: They require large amounts of land for grazing.
* Seasonality: Their activities are often dictated by calving seasons and weather patterns.
* Focus on Breeding and Raising: Their primary focus is on raising healthy calves, not necessarily finishing them for slaughter.
* Extensive Management: They often manage herds in a less intensive way than feedlot operations.
In essence, cow-calf producers form the foundation of the beef industry, providing the calves that are then raised and eventually become the beef we consume.