Raising Cattle in Las Vegas: Our Journey With a HighPark Steer and Dexter Heifer

When most people think of Las Vegas, they think of casinos, hotels, and the Strip.

They probably do not picture cattle, chickens, garden beds, and a working homestead right in the middle of the desert.

But here we are.

At Semper Fi Homestead, we are raising cattle in Las Vegas on our small urban homestead. Our little herd includes Johnny Cash, our HighPark steer, and Holy, our Dexter heifer who we hope will eventually become our family milk cow.

Raising cattle in the Las Vegas desert has taught us that homesteading is about so much more than owning animals. You have to think about the climate, feed, water, space, animal care, fencing, neighbors, and something that is especially important in Las Vegas: zoning.

Meet Johnny Cash, Our HighPark Steer

Johnny Cash is our fluffy white HighPark steer and one of the most recognizable faces here at Semper Fi Homestead.

Because Johnny Cash is a steer, he will not be used for breeding. Instead, he has become an important part of our homestead, educational programs, community events, and cow cuddle experiences.

Johnny Cash has also taught us so much about cattle behavior and handling. Cattle have their own personalities, preferences, and boundaries. Building trust takes consistency and patience.

Meet Holy, Our Dexter Heifer and Future Family Milk Cow

Holy is our Dexter heifer and the beginning of our family milk cow journey.

One reason we chose a Dexter is their smaller size compared with many full sized cattle breeds. When you are homesteading on limited acreage, the size of your livestock is something you really have to consider.

Holy is also A2/A2, which was something we specifically wanted when planning for our future family milk cow.

Our long term goal is to breed Holy when she is mature and ready. If everything goes as planned, after a healthy pregnancy and calving, we will begin another completely new adventure: milking our own cow.

We are learning as we go, and we plan to share that journey too.

Can You Raise Cattle in Las Vegas?

Yes, cattle can be raised in Las Vegas, but this is where doing your homework becomes extremely important.

Before buying a cow, goat, chicken, pig, or any other livestock, one of the first things you should research is your property’s zoning.

Having a large backyard does not automatically mean you are allowed to keep livestock.

Different properties throughout the Las Vegas Valley can fall under different jurisdictions and zoning rules. Requirements may also depend on your property size, zoning designation, number and type of animals, structures, setbacks, and what you plan to do with those animals.

There can also be a major difference between keeping livestock for your own personal use and operating a business or inviting members of the public onto your property.

Before bringing livestock home, contact the appropriate local jurisdiction and verify what is permitted for your specific property and intended use.

Do not assume that because someone else in your neighborhood has livestock that you are automatically allowed to do the same thing.

Zoning Was a Huge Part of Our Homestead Journey

This is something we can speak about from experience.

Growing Semper Fi Homestead into what it is today required much more than simply buying animals and opening our gates. We had no intention to homestead but after having Lupus I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle to cure myself. So I went down the homesteading rabbit hole. We bought this home to flip It and move on to our next project but I was so curious becuase It had some land, I called the county and they said we are zoned for 2 large livestock and 20 chickens. So since I am hella crazy, I bought two cows and hella chickens. HAHA!

But we went through the process of working with our local jurisdictions and agencies to make sure the activities we provide are properly approved.

That journey included zoning and land use requirements, business licensing, animal related requirements, inspections, permitting, and Nevada agriculture requirements.

It was not an overnight process.

But doing things correctly matters to us.

If your dream is to start a Las Vegas homestead, especially one that eventually includes selling products, hosting classes, providing animal experiences, operating a farm stand, or inviting customers onto your property, research the legal side before investing thousands of dollars into your idea.

Your zoning should be one of your first phone calls, not an afterthought.

Raising Cattle in the Las Vegas Heat

Then there is our desert climate.

Las Vegas summers are no joke.

When temperatures reach triple digits, cattle management has to change. Shade and constant access to clean, fresh water are incredibly important. We monitor Johnny Cash and Holy closely during extreme temperatures and adjust our routines based on the weather.

During the hottest part of summer, we also schedule many of our activities later in the evening when temperatures begin to come down.

The Las Vegas desert also means we cannot depend on lush green pasture like cattle owners in other parts of the country may be able to do.

Hay is a major part of caring for our cattle and one of our ongoing homestead expenses.

That is part of the reality of raising cattle in Las Vegas. You have to build your management practices around the desert environment you actually have.

Choosing Cattle for a Small Las Vegas Homestead

When choosing cattle for a small acreage homestead, there is much more to consider than how cute or fluffy a breed is.

Before choosing cattle, research their mature size, temperament, feed requirements, fencing needs, water requirements, veterinary care, hoof care, breeding needs, heat tolerance, manure management, local zoning requirements, and the purpose that animal will serve on your homestead.

For us, Johnny Cash and Holy have two different purposes.

Johnny Cash is our pet steer and an important part of our educational and community experiences.

Holy is our heifer and, hopefully one day, our family milk cow.

Small Acreage Does Not Mean Small Responsibility

One of the biggest things we have learned is that raising livestock is not simply about whether an animal can physically fit on your property.

The better question is whether you have the resources, infrastructure, knowledge, time, and legal ability to properly care for that animal.

Cattle need appropriate fencing, shade, clean water, quality feed, routine care, hoof care, safe handling practices, and access to veterinary care when needed.

And they need you every single day.

There are no days off because it is too hot, you are tired, or you want to go on vacation.

Learning as We Grow

We are still learning.

That is one of the reasons we share our homesteading journey so openly.

We did not wake up one morning knowing how to raise cattle in Las Vegas. We ask questions. We learn from experienced cattle owners. We work with professionals. We make adjustments. We continue educating ourselves.

Most importantly, we pay attention to the animals standing in front of us.

Johnny Cash and Holy have already taught us more than we ever expected, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us next.

If you are dreaming about raising cattle or starting a homestead in Las Vegas, start by researching.

Research your zoning. Research your animals. Research your costs. Research your climate. And build your homestead based on what you can responsibly and legally manage.

We will continue sharing what we learn along the way here at Semper Fi Homestead.