There are 3 phases in the production of beef cattle. Beef cows have a calf each year, beginning when they are 2 years old. Cow-calf operations use pasture and hay to feed their cows. Little or no grain is fed.
Cows live outside year around, using trees as shelter when needed.
They also grow very heavy haircoats to protect them from winter weather. Most weaned calves stay in Virginia through this next phase. The cow-calf producer often sells his calves, and they are bought by a stocker or backgrounding operator. This producer uses feeds produced on his farm to grow cattle. Some producers use mostly pasture, letting cattle harvest the grass directly.