Beef Cowherd Expansion Decisions, Is Bigger Always Better?
Iowa Beef Center
Introduction
This chapter will discuss expansion of a beef cow-calf enterprise and different strategies for
achieving it. Alternative expansion routes may include:
• Buying replacement heifers
• Raising replacement heifers
• Leasing breeding stock and/or a share or cash agreement
• Retaining ownership of raised calves
Each of these strategies will be discussed in terms of level of risk, profitability, cash flow
feasibility and tax management implications
