Livestock for small Acreage Landowners

Rural areas in Texas are being rapidly developed and urbanized, especially in the central and southwest parts of the state.  Many urban dwellers want to escape to the country to live a quiet, peaceful life or enjoy

recreational opportunities on their own land.  As a result, large tracts in rural areas are being divided into properties of 50 to 100 acres; many are fewer than 20 acres.  The most important concern of any landowner, big or small, is good stewardship of the land.  The three livestock enterprises are discussed in this publication (B-6091) are the most environmentally compatible with small acreage.  Livestock enterprises almost; always depend, at least to some degree, on having forage for the animals to eat.  As a livestock producer, forage is your primary product.  No livestock enterprise can be economically viable for long if grazing destroys the forage growing on the land.

While it is not likely that you will enjoy huge profits from livestock production on a small acreage, these enterprises, if managed properly, should qualify your land for the agricultural exemption from ad valorem taxes.  Remember, though, that land ownership is a privilege that requires us to take good care of our precious natural resources.

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