One of the most common questions I get asked at farmers markets is whether or not I raise the beef that I sell. While I do raise beef cattle and sell all that beef to my customers, I’m limited with the number of animals I can raise each year. Florida grasses typically only allow for a stocking rate of 5 acres per cow/calf pair, and I’m at maximum capacity.
In order for cattlemen to be successful, each of their cows need to raise one calf per year. Some ranchers use natural breeding for their herd (selecting bulls with the right genetics for their goals, and keeping their bulls with the cows during the breeding season each year). Others opt for using artificial insemination (A.I.). This method is more of the standard for dairy cattle, but when it comes to beef cattle, it just depends on whether or not it's practical for that operation.
