Easiest Livestock to Raise
Raising livestock on your ranch can be a rewarding and sustainable way to use your land. Whether you're new to ranching or looking for low-maintenance animals, choosing the right livestock is key. Here are some of the easiest animals to raise, even for beginners.
Easiest Cattle to Raise
1. Angus
Angus cattle are one of the most popular beef cattle breeds in the U.S., and for good reason. They are hardy, adaptable, and naturally polled (hornless), making them easier to handle. They grow quickly and produce high-quality beef with excellent marbling.
Why They’re Easy:
✔ Hardy and resistant to harsh weather
✔ Naturally hornless (less risk of injury)
✔ Grow quickly with good feed conversion
✔ Low-maintenance calving
2. Hereford
Hereford cattle are known for their gentle temperament and adaptability to various climates. They require less feed than other beef breeds and can thrive on pasture alone. Their red and white coats help them resist sunburn, making them ideal for dry, open ranchlands.
Why They’re Easy:
✔ Docile and easy to handle
✔ Efficient grazers, requiring less supplemental feed
✔ Strong disease resistance
✔ Excellent mothering instincts
3. Highland Cattle
If you're looking for a low-maintenance breed that can handle cold climates, Highland cattle are an excellent choice. Their thick, shaggy coats allow them to withstand harsh winters without requiring extra shelter. They are also great foragers, making them ideal for ranchers who want cattle that thrive on natural pasture.
Why They’re Easy:
✔ Extremely hardy in cold weather
✔ Low maintenance—less need for grain feed
✔ Naturally resistant to many cattle diseases
✔ Long lifespan with good fertility rates
4. Dexter Cattle
Dexter cattle are a smaller breed, making them easier to handle than larger breeds. They are dual-purpose, meaning they can be raised for both milk and beef. Their small size also means they require less feed and space than traditional beef cattle.
Why They’re Easy:
✔ Smaller size makes them easier to manage
✔ Efficient feed conversion (great for small ranches)
✔ Dual-purpose: good for both meat and milk
✔ Adaptable to various climates
5. Jersey Cattle (for Dairy)
If you're interested in raising dairy cattle, Jersey cows are one of the easiest choices. They are smaller than most dairy breeds, require less feed, and produce high-butterfat milk that is great for cheese and butter. They also have a calm temperament, making them great for beginners.
Why They’re Easy:
✔ Smaller size than other dairy breeds
✔ High milk production with rich butterfat content
✔ Gentle and easy to handle
✔ Thrive in a variety of climates
Easiest Livestock To Raise on Your Ranch
1. Chickens
Chickens are one of the simplest and most rewarding animals to raise. They provide fresh eggs, require minimal space, and are relatively easy to care for. A basic coop, fresh water, and quality feed will keep your flock healthy. Free-range chickens can even help control pests on your land.
Why They're Easy:
Require little space
Low feed costs
Provide eggs and meat
Help with pest control
2. Goats
Goats are hardy animals that can thrive in various environments, including Utah’s rugged terrain. They’re great for clearing brush, provide milk or meat, and don’t require complex shelter. Some breeds, like Nigerian Dwarf or Boer goats, are particularly beginner-friendly.
Why They're Easy:
Can eat weeds and brush, reducing land maintenance
Hardy and adaptable to different climates
Provide milk, meat, or fiber
Friendly and easy to handle
3. Sheep
Sheep are another easy-to-raise livestock option, especially if you have pastureland. They provide wool, meat, and even milk with minimal upkeep. They graze efficiently and can be rotated through fields to improve soil health.
Why They're Easy:
Low-maintenance grazing animals
Wool, meat, and milk production
Easy to fence in and care for
Generally docile and manageable
4. Ducks
Like chickens, ducks are a simple addition to any ranch. They require a small pond or kiddie pool, but otherwise, they are low-maintenance. Ducks lay large, nutrient-rich eggs and are more resistant to disease than chickens.
Why They're Easy:
Lay more eggs per year than some chicken breeds
Less prone to disease
Eat pests like slugs and insects
Don't require a fancy coop
5. Rabbits
Rabbits are ideal for small-scale livestock raising. They breed quickly, require little space, and are easy to feed. They can be raised for meat or fiber (such as Angora rabbits). Plus, their manure is excellent for gardening.
Why They're Easy:
Require very little space
Fast reproduction cycle
Low feed costs
Manure is great for composting
6. Pigs (Miniature or Standard Breeds)
Pigs might seem like a lot of work, but certain breeds, like KuneKune or American Guinea Hogs, are surprisingly easy to raise. They require simple shelter, eat a wide variety of foods, and can help clear land.
Why They're Easy:
Can be pasture-raised, reducing feed costs
Intelligent and trainable
Provide a good meat source
Great for land clearing