Callene Rapp - Homestead Cows: The Complete Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Cattle

Praise for Homestead Cows

Homestead Cowsis a gem of a book full of great advice for anyone thinking about keeping cattle. Its a must read for newbies!

Jeanette Beranger, senior program manager, The Livestock Conservancy

This book covers all the aspects of cattle raising for the beginning farmer whos trying to traverse the landscape of farming. Callene and Eric have drilled down into the how- to, without being preachy, to build the knowledge you will need when you put your first animals in your first pasture and watch them thrive. The only thing it doesnt cover is the number of old and new curse words youll learn and use when you hit your shins on the trailer ball. Im going to order a bunch and it should be a paperback that will fit in your back pocket or that Carhartt jacket pocket.

Carrie Balkcom, executive director, American Grassfed Association

In Homestead Cows, Callene and Eric Rapp take us on an epic journey that covers everything bovine in a uniquely approachable and systematic way. The book covers everything from the history of cattle to the ins and outs of choosing a breed thats right for you and gives you the tools to manage your experiences in a way thats humane for the cattle, the homesteader, and the land. This book is a must-read for every homesteader and small holder with an interest in keeping cattle for virtually any purpose, and would help bring husbandry back to large-scale operators who view cattle as a mere commodity.

Hank Will, editor, Mother Earth News

Homestead Cowsis an excellent book for anyone interested in raising their own cattle. This book is chock-full of fantastic information useful for experienced cattlemen and novice farmers alike. I would feel confident putting this book in someones hand and knowing they have all the information they need to raise their own cattle. Callene and Eric did an excellent job writing a book that was easy and enjoyable to read!

Emily Nyman, heritage livestock expert, photographer,
living history reenactor

Homestead Cowschooses a delightful approach that helps drive our passion for raising cattle. The authors realistically cover the joys and stressors related to raising cattle and through this work offer tools to help make good decisions that work safely for both animal and homesteader, and improve the homestead environment in the process. The book should be required reading for anyone with cattle or considering cattle for their place.

Joanna Will, head herdswoman, Prairie Turnip Farm

Cattle have been domesticated for over 10,000 years and people have worked side by side with them, benefiting greatly from the relationship. Dual and triple purpose breeds had many uses including draft power, along with milk and meat. Since 2008, Eric and Callene Rapp have owned and raised Pineywoods cattle when they acquired a bull and seven cows to help conserve this triple purpose breed. Theyve now compiled all of their cattle raising knowledge into an easy to read book that is perfect for someone who is interested in raising some of their own. Homestead Cowsis a comprehensive guide that is perfect for the beginner, but is still useful for the experienced cattleman.

Alicia Boor, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent,
Cottonwood District, K-State Research and Extension

ERIC RAPP AND CALLENE RAPP

Copyright 2021 by Eric Rapp and Callene Rapp.

All rights reserved.

Cover design by Diane McIntosh.

Cover photos: iStock. Bottom left supplied by Eric Rapp.

Unless otherwise noted, all photos and illustrations by Eric Rapp.

Printed in Canada. First printing June, 2021.

This book is intended to be educational and informative. The author and publisher disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk that may be associated with the application of any of the contents of this book.

Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Homestead Cowsshould be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below. To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America) 1-800-567-6772, or order online at www.newsociety.com