Every farm needs a cow — here's how to do it right from day one. Learn how to raise healthy, contented cattle that feed your family, build your soil, and bring your homestead to life. Whether for milk, beef, or both, this is your essential guide to happy cows and a thriving, sustainable farm.
Dreaming of your first family milk cow or hoping to manage a small beef herd? Homestead Cows walks you through how to start with cows, choose the right breed, and build a resilient herd that will support your homestead for years to come.
Written by Callene and Eric Rapp, award-winning farmers and long-time contributors to Grit Magazine, this trusted guide distills decades of hands-on livestock experience into a complete, realistic plan for success.
What You'll Learn Inside
- Choosing breeds and herd size to fit your land, family, and goals
- Designing practical housing and fencing systems that make chores easier
- Feeding for health and longevity with rotational grazing and balanced nutrition
- Low-stress handling and care that keeps cows calm and farmers safe
- Breeding, calving, and raising calves without fear or confusion
- Processing, dairy, and beef basics — make the most of every cow
- Financial management and sustainability so your herd supports itself.
You'll also gain insight into regenerative soil building, forage systems, and ethical, low-input livestock management that improves both land and life.
The Rapps operate Rare Hare Barn, the largest heritage-breed meat-rabbit enterprise in the US, and manage a herd of heritage Pineywoods cattle, one of North America's oldest and hardiest breeds. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they've handled nearly every species of domestic livestock and bring that depth of understanding to every chapter.
For anyone wondering how to:
- Start raising cows on a small farm or homestead
- Balance animal care with self-sufficiency and land health
- Produce nutritious food while farming regeneratively.
…Homestead Cows is the best guide for beginners and seasoned homesteaders alike.
Open the gate — your cows are waiting.
Since 2005, Eric and Callene Rapp have owned and operated the award-winning Rare Hare Barn, the largest heritage-breed meat-rabbit enterprise in the United States. Callene is also a regular contributor to Grit Magazine. They live and farm in Leon, Kansas.
Since 2005, Eric and Callene Rapp have owned and operated the award-winning Rare Hare Barn, the largest heritage-breed meat-rabbit enterprise in the United States. Eric is also a regular contributor to Grit Magazine. They live and farm in Leon, Kansas.
