The number of cattle farms in the United States has declined by more than 50% since the end of World War II. It is now estimated that there are less than 200,000 beef cows on American farms. With this decline, it becomes increasingly important to take best practices for protecting your herd against intruders to keep your cattle safe.
1) Install security cameras around your property and at all entrances to help deter anyone who may be interested in stealing from you or harming your livestock; if they know they’re being recorded, they’ll be less likely to commit a crime against you so long as the camera is operable and clearly visible.
2) Make sure each cow can see any potential threat from outside their pen; this will help them feel more comfortable and safe, as they’ll be able to better assess any potential danger.
3) Invest for a fence that is sturdy and difficult to penetrate; an intruder who can’t easily get into your property isn’t likely to bother trying.
4) Keep a guard dog on your property; if you have one, particularly a German Shepherd or something similar, intruders who know that this dog will attack and protect the herd at all costs won’t be likely to come onto your farm. Make sure to train the dog well and have him/her properly secured when not on duty.
5) Electric fencing is a great way to keep your cattle safe from predators and trespassers. It’s humane, effective, and relatively low-cost.
Following these five simple tips will help you keep your cattle safe and secure on your farm. Implementing one or more of them can make a big difference in protecting your herd from harm.