How does a cow-calf operation work?

A cow-calf operation is an operation that uses cows and bulls as breeding stock to produce calves. These calves are often sold for the purpose of being used for beef production, and as the main annual source of income for the cow-calf producer. Cow-calf operations always pertain to the use of beef cattle, not dairy cattle. The cows themselves are often cross-bred, straight-bred or even purebred. A cow-calf operation can be commercial, where 80 to 90% of calves are sold for beef, or seedstock/purebred, where 80 to 90% of the calves are sold as breeding stock.