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Lillibridge encourages beginning cattle producers to start small, stay practical

A cattle producer from eastern Iowa says the industry needs more young and beginning producers.

“Us older generation, we’re kind of a dying breed,” said Lance Lillibridge.

Lillibridge tells Brownfield the number of new people entering the cattle business is minimal.

“You don’t have to look too hard to see that most of us out here have different colored hair now than what we did when we got into this business,” he said. “There’s not a lot of young people in it.”

He says with stronger cattle prices, there could be some opportunities for young people to get started.

“You really have to have a passion for it,” he said. “Don’t get over your head in debt. Find an older farmer that wants to work with you if possible.”

Lillibridge suggests starting out small.

“You don’t have to farm 1000 acres,” he said. “Start with a 40 or a 10 or a 20. Do something with the cattle business and just grow it.”

Lillibridge raises red angus cattle in Benton County.