An Overview of Elk Ranching

Abstract

<p>More and more traditional farmers are becoming involved in some not-so-traditional livestock enterprises. This move has been encouraged by low livestock prices and high feed costs. Many of these farmers who previously raised beef and dairy cattle are now raising elk (wapiti) and are making more money doing it. Elk are currently being raised for several reasons, including velvet antler, meat products, and breeding stock. The transition from cattle to elk is made easier because many of the character traits of elk are the same as cattle, except elk are a little more extreme.</p>