Choosing the Right Livestock for Your Farm: A Practical Guide for New and Experienced FarmersStarting or expanding a farm is a major step — and one of the biggest decisions you'll face is which livestock to raise. Whether you’re working with a few acres or managing a full-scale operation, the type of animals you choose will impact everything from your daily routine to your bottom line.
But how do you make the right choice?
In this post, we’ll break down the essential factors you need to consider when choosing the best livestock for your farm — and how to align those choices with your land, budget, and long-term goals.
1. Understand Your Farming Goals
Before you even look at breeds or housing requirements, get clear on why you want to raise livestock. Ask yourself:
Are you aiming for meat, milk, eggs, fiber, or breeding stock?
Is this for profit, sustainability, or a family food source?
Are you planning to sell to local markets, restaurants, or direct to consumers?
Example: If your goal is fresh dairy for your family and local sales, goats or a small breed of dairy cow may be the right fit. But if you’re focused on meat production, beef cattle or broilers might make more sense.
2. Assess Your Land and Environment
Your land will naturally support some animals better than others. Consider:
Pasture size and quality: Do you have enough space for grazing animals like cattle or sheep?
Climate: Some breeds handle extreme cold or heat better than others.
Water availability: Livestock need a steady, clean water source.
Shelter: Can you provide barns, shade, or windbreaks as needed?
Tip: Chickens, rabbits, and goats require less space and adapt well to smaller properties, making them great for beginners or hobby farms.
3. Budget Wisely — Think Beyond the Purchase Price
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing animals, but the ongoing costs can surprise new farmers. These include:
Feed and supplements
Vet care and medications
Fencing and housing
Equipment (feeders, waterers, milking gear)
Also factor in time — animals need daily care, even on holidays. Start small and scale up as you gain experience and confidence.
4. Match Animals to Your Skill Level
If you're new to farming, some animals are more beginner-friendly than others.
Chickens are low-maintenance and great for egg production.
Goats are hardy, curious, and ideal for milk or meat.
Rabbits multiply quickly and need little space.
Pigs and cattle can be profitable but require more space, handling skills, and capital.
Don’t underestimate the value of starting simple — especially if you're still learning the ropes.
5. Research Breeds that Fit Your Needs
Once you've narrowed down the type of livestock, dive deeper into breed characteristics.
Some chicken breeds lay more eggs; others are better for meat.
Dairy goats like Nubians give rich milk, while Boer goats are meat-focused.
Certain cattle breeds (like Angus) thrive in colder climates and gain weight efficiently.
Talk to local farmers, attend agricultural fairs, and consult extension services to get solid breed advice for your area.
6. Check Local Laws and Regulations
Before bringing animals home, review your local:
Zoning laws
Animal welfare regulations
Permits or licenses required
Some towns or counties have limits on livestock numbers or restrict animals like roosters or pigs.
7. Start with Quality, Not Quantity
One of the most common mistakes is starting with too many animals too soon. It’s better to begin with a few healthy animals from a trusted source than to overwhelm yourself with poor stock or too large a herd.
Quality livestock = fewer health problems + better production.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right livestock isn’t just about what you want to raise — it’s about what your land, budget, and lifestyle can support. With a thoughtful approach, you can build a thriving, sustainable farm that fits your goals and grows with you over time.
Quick Recap: Questions to Ask Before Choosing Livestock
✅ What is my primary farming goal (milk, meat, eggs, fiber, etc.)?
✅ How much space and shelter can I provide?
✅ What’s my realistic budget for care and feed?
✅ Am I ready for the daily responsibilities?
✅ Do local laws allow me to keep this animal?
✅ What breed performs best in my region?