“Having a cow” is not as far-fetched as it might seem. More homesteaders are opting for a milk cow, which can offer a lot more than fresh milk.

Follow these guidelines on terminology, animals, preparation, bidding and other aspects of buying livestock at an auction or sale barn.

The free-range method is easy to put into action. It provides the tastiest, most nutritious eggs and meat while letting chickens fulfill their destiny as hunters and peckers.