Know the truth and it will set you free. If that doesn't work try prunes!
I would be thrilled to make money with cattle but realistically for year round grazing without running up a horrendous feed/hay bill my place is so poor productivity wise that it will keep about 20 cow calf pairs. This labels me as a small operation at best and true to Cowboydocs comments regarding scale, we will never be a real money maker. We can show enough activity to keep the IRS at bay and not be "OFFICIALLY" designated a hobby farm. I'm not sure how much longer it will be worth it to me.
My strident commentary should not in any way be construed as finding fault with wanting to live a dream. There is a big difference in recognizing the truth and feeling compelled to act on it in some logical manner.
As Cowboydoc pointed out, plenty of folks invest more in their toys with no hope of monetary return than some of us do "playing at" ranching/farming where there is at least a hope of profit or partial subsidy from generated revenues.
Still the best way to get thousands of dollars out of the small ranch or farm is to invest many more thousands of dollars.
[img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Pat [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]