So, You want to own cattle? Here's what you need to know..

So, You’re Thinking About Buying Cattle…

You’ve found yourself here because you’re considering buying cattle. Maybe you have no experience, or maybe you had some a long time ago and want to refresh your knowledge. Either way, you’re probably wondering what you’ll need to properly house and safely handle your cattle.

The most important thing to start with is land. You need to have adequate space to house them. Cattle are large animals, and they require room to graze and move around.

Next, don’t plan on just having one. Cattle are herd animals, meaning they need companionship. At a minimum, you should have at least two so they don’t become stressed or lonely.

Two highland cows

Three Highland Cows eating

Two fluffy yellow Highlands

Fencing: Keeping Your Cattle Where They Belong

One of the biggest mistakes new cattle owners make is underestimating the importance of good fencing. Cattle will test boundaries—literally. If your fencing isn’t strong enough, they will find a way out. Loose cattle are not just a danger to themselves but also to the public. Stray cattle on roads can cause serious accidents, and if they wander onto neighboring properties, you could find yourself in trouble. Proper fencing is a must.

Handling Facilities: Yards & a Cattle Crush

Even if you’re only getting two cows, you still need a way to safely handle them. Yards and a cattle crush are essential for routine care, including vaccinations and medical treatment. Without a proper setup, handling cattle can become dangerous, for both you and the animals. Restraining cattle correctly means you can administer care safely and efficiently.

Cow in a crush

Calf in a crush

Cows in yards

Veterinary Care: Finding a Big Animal Vet

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. At some point, your cattle will require veterinary attention, so it’s crucial to know who your closest big animal vet is. Large animal vets are often in high demand, especially in rural areas, so having an established relationship with one can make all the difference when an emergency arises.

Medical Supplies: Be Prepared

While your vet is a key resource, there will be times when you need to treat minor issues on your own. When you call for help many vets will ask, “Do you have this? Do you have that?” because a lot of treatments can be done on-farm with the right supplies. Keeping a basic cattle first-aid kit stocked can save time and money, and more importantly, it can prevent your cattle from suffering while waiting for a vet.

A more detailed guide on essential cattle medical supplies will be coming in a future post.

Vaccination & Drenching

Cattle require vaccinations to prevent disease and drenching to control internal and external parasites. This is non-negotiable if you want to keep your cattle healthy. If you’re new to cattle ownership, take the time to familiarize yourself with vaccine schedules and drenching options. 

We’ll also be covering common issues like lice in an upcoming post.

Feeding & Watering: The Reality

Cattle eat a lot. They also drink a lot. And both of these things cost money.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that because they have some paddocks and a dam, their cattle will always have enough food and water. The reality, especially in Australia, is that drought can hit hard and fast. Paddocks that seem lush now can dry up within weeks, leaving nothing of nutritional value.

During dry periods, you will need to buy in feed to keep your cattle alive. If you don’t, they will starve.

Water is just as critical. Dams can dry up shockingly fast in hot weather, and cattle drink a significant amount of water daily. Be prepared to source water and set up troughs if needed. Owning cattle means being ready to adapt when conditions change.

Calves eating from feeder

Dry dam

A cow and her calf eating

Time & Patience: The Key to Friendly Cattle

If you want friendly cattle, you need to invest time with them.

This is especially true for Highland cattle. The calm, hand-fed, brush-loving cows you see online didn’t get that way by accident. Their owners put in the time, consistently handling and interacting with them. Regular contact builds trust, making cattle easier to manage in the long run.

Brushing a Higland Cow

Small child patting a cow

The Commitment of Cattle Ownership

Owning cattle is a big commitment. Before bringing them onto your farm, you need to have the right infrastructure in place, adequate land, secure fencing, safe handling equipment, access to veterinary care, and the financial ability to feed and water them year-round.

If you’re prepared, the rewards of raising cattle are absolutely worth it. There’s nothing quite like working with these majestic animals. But with ownership comes responsibility. Once you purchase cattle, their well-being is in your hands. You are responsible for their care, their health, and their safety.

If you’re ready to take on that responsibility, this will be one of the most exciting and rewarding ventures you’ll ever embark on.