Growing your own Beef

As a homesteader, one of the most rewarding experiences you can have is raising your own beef. There are several benefits to doing so, from the quality of the meat to the sense of connection to your food. Here's what you need to know about raising your own beef as a homesteader.

First and foremost, it's important to have enough space to raise a beef animal. Depending on the size of your animal and your pasture, you'll need at least several acres of land to provide enough grazing space. You'll also need to ensure that your pasture is properly fenced and secure to prevent your animal from wandering off or getting injured.

How much space do I need

In general, a beef steer needs at least 2 acres of land to graze comfortably. This will provide enough space for the animal to move around and forage for food. Keep in mind that this is a minimum requirement, and providing more space is always better for your animal's health and well-being.

Remember that providing enough space for your beef steer is not only important for the animal's well-being, but also for the quality of the meat. Cattle that are raised in cramped or stressful conditions are more likely to develop health problems, which can impact the flavor and texture of the meat.

What breed?

Next, you'll need to select the right breed of cattle. Some popular breeds for beef include Angus, Hereford, and Charolais, although there are many others to choose from. You'll want to select a breed that is well-suited to your climate and grazing conditions, as well as one that produces high-quality meat.

Cattle Breeds

Angus: Angus cattle are one of the most popular beef breeds in Canada, known for their marbled meat and gentle temperament. They are typically black in color and medium-sized, with a weight range of 1000 to 1500 pounds. Angus cattle are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and grazing conditions.

Hereford: Hereford cattle are another popular beef breed in Canada, known for their docile temperament and hardiness. They are typically red and white in color and medium to large in size, with a weight range of 1200 to 1800 pounds. Hereford cattle are known for their marbled meat and adaptability to a variety of climates.

Charolais: Charolais cattle are a French breed that has become popular in Canada for their large size and fast growth rate. They are typically white or cream-colored and large in size, with a weight range of 1500 to 2200 pounds. Charolais cattle are known for their lean meat and high feed efficiency.

Limousin: Limousin cattle are a French breed that has become popular in Canada for their lean meat and hardiness. They are typically reddish-brown in color and medium-sized, with a weight range of 1000 to 1400 pounds. Limousin cattle are known for their fast growth rate and low birth weight, making them popular for crossbreeding.

Feed and Water

Once you have your animal, you'll need to provide it with proper care and nutrition. This includes regular feeding and watering, monitoring for any signs of illness or injury, and providing shelter during extreme weather conditions. Depending on your location and the time of year, you may also need to supplement your animal's diet with hay or other feed. Watering can be provided through a natural water source such as a pond or stream, or through a man-made watering system such as a trough or automatic waterer.

Beef Steer Feed

Forage: Forage is a crucial part of a beef steer's diet, as it provides the animal with fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Hay, grass, and silage are all examples of forage that can be fed to a beef steer. It's important to choose high-quality forage that is free from mold and has been properly stored.

Grain: Grains such as corn, barley, and wheat can be added to a beef steer's diet to provide extra energy and protein. Grain is often used in finishing diets, as it can help the steer gain weight quickly in the final months before slaughter. However, it's important to introduce grain slowly and monitor the steer's digestion, as too much grain too quickly can cause digestive issues such as bloat.

Protein supplements: Sometimes forage and grain aren't enough to meet a beef steer's protein requirements. In this case, protein supplements such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or canola meal can be added to the diet. These supplements can help the steer develop muscle and grow properly.

Mineral supplements: Beef steers also require a range of minerals in their diet, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These minerals can be provided through mineral supplements that are added to the feed. It's important to choose a supplement that is appropriate for the steer's age and weight.

Water: Finally, it's important to remember that water is an essential part of a beef steer's diet. A steer should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Inadequate water intake can lead to dehydration and other health problems.

One of the biggest benefits of raising your own beef is the ability to control the quality of the meat. You'll know exactly what your animal has been fed and how it has been raised, which can give you peace of mind and a greater sense of connection to your food. Additionally, the meat from a home-raised animal is typically fresher and more flavorful than store-bought meat.

Processing your own Beef

When it comes time to process your animal, you can either do it yourself or take it to a local butcher. If you choose to do it yourself, you'll need the appropriate tools and equipment, as well as some basic knowledge of butchery techniques. Alternatively, you can take your animal to a local butcher who can process it for you.

Processing your own beef steer is a big undertaking, but it can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to provide high-quality meat for your family. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right equipment and knowledge, you can successfully process your own beef and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Lets explore the basic process of processing your own beef steer and what you need to know to do it right.

Before we dive into the process, it's important to note that processing your own beef steer requires some basic knowledge of animal anatomy and butchery. It's also important to have the right equipment, including a meat grinder, a sausage stuffer, a good quality knife, and a meat saw. If you're not familiar with these tools, it may be best to work with an experienced butcher or take a butchery class before attempting to process your own meat.

Step 1: Harvesting the Animal

The first step in processing your own beef steer is to harvest the animal. This is a process that should be done by a professional if you don't have experience with it. Once the animal is harvested, it needs to be properly bled out and skinned.

Step 2: Gutting and Cleaning

After the animal is skinned, it needs to be gutted and cleaned. This involves removing the internal organs and any other unwanted parts, such as the head and hooves. Once the animal is cleaned, it needs to be cooled down as quickly as possible to prevent bacteria growth.

Step 3: Butchering

The next step in the process is to begin butchering the animal. This involves breaking down the carcass into individual cuts of meat. This can be a time-consuming process, but it's important to take your time and be careful to avoid damaging the meat. Different cuts of meat require different techniques, so it's important to do some research or consult with an experienced butcher to ensure you're doing it correctly.

Step 4: Grinding and Sausage Making

Once the individual cuts of meat have been processed, it's time to grind the meat for ground beef and make sausages. A meat grinder is essential for grinding the meat, and a sausage stuffer is needed for making sausages. The meat should be chilled before grinding and stuffing to ensure the best quality and texture.

Step 5: Packaging and Freezing

After the meat has been processed, it needs to be packaged and frozen. This can be done using a vacuum sealer or freezer paper. It's important to label each package with the type of meat and the date it was processed to ensure freshness and proper storage.

Processing your own beef steer can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It's important to do your research, have the right equipment, and take your time to ensure the best quality meat.

Raising your own beef as a homesteader can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. From selecting the right breed to providing proper care and nutrition, there are many factors to consider when raising an animal for meat. However, the ability to control the quality of the meat and the sense of connection to your food make it all worth it in the end.