Custom grazing can look like easy income — until the weather, contracts, or math prove otherwise. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan breaks down what it really takes to make custom grazing profitable. From pricing per head per day to writing airtight contracts, she shares how to calculate costs, manage risk, and protect both your land and your cash flow. Whether you’re grazing for others or considering it for your ranch, this episode will help you decide if it’s a smart move — or a resource drain.
Links
Watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/aUez8b3ht0E
CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
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Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/
Takeaways
Custom grazing allows for cash flow without the risk of cattle ownership.
Predictable revenue can be achieved through per head per day payment structures.
Weather risks, such as drought, can significantly impact profitability.
Properly pricing labor and services is crucial for success in custom grazing.
Contracts should clearly outline responsibilities and payment structures.
Understanding the cost of grass and other resources is essential for profitability.
Custom grazing can be beneficial when there is excess grass or a need to rest cow capital.
It's important to have control over cattle management to avoid financial pitfalls.
Contracts should include clauses for drought and other risks to protect both parties.
Regularly reviewing contracts with an attorney can help mitigate risks.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Custom Grazing
01:23 The Upsides of Custom Grazing
02:20 The Downsides of Custom Grazing
04:20 Understanding Pay Structures
04:35 Key Contract Elements
05:36 Calculating Costs and Rates
06:49 When Custom Grazing Makes Sense
07:13 Identifying Resource Drain Risks
custom grazing, cattle management, ranch profitability, grazing contracts, agricultural economics, livestock management, pasture management, ranching strategies, cattle grazing risks, farming income