The Beefalo Farmer

While talking with my boss at my firm last week, he brought up that he had spent the weekend at a friend's beefalo farm. "Beefalo?" I asked, "Is that what it sounds like?" Turns out it is. A breed between a cow and a buffalo, these are best described as 'gangster cows.' They're a tough looking bunch. So - what is the life of a Beefalo farmer like? The American Beefalo Association (no joke - they exist) provided some insight:


Annual Salary: Varies - livestock farmers' salaries depend a lot on the size of their farm and many other conditions including weather, employee compensation, and the cost of insurance. Many farmers receive government subsidies to offset the risks (I feel like a joke about the Stafford loan may be appropriate here).


Perks of the Job: being your own boss. Most people do not have the pleasure. You also get to work outside, rather than in an office or cubicle. No need to wear impractical wool suits in hot weather. Additionally, the American Beefalo Association basically has me convinced that Beefalo are one of the best inventions of the twenty first century. Right along with the vacuum cleaner. They're a very sturdy animal, thus lower costs for upkeep and healthcare. They have a long lifespan. They're very fertile. They're good at gaining weight (read: more meat = more money.) There was also a whole section about the ease of calving that I won't even get into. I kind of want a pet Beefalo now. Or maybe I'll just buy the Beefalo hat, also available on their site.


Disadvantages: Since they're bigger, beefalo probably don't lend themselves to cow tipping quite as well. The work is physically strenuous. You have to be outside working in all types of weather. Complying with state health and grazing regulations. Worrying about mad cow (mad beefalo?). Scary bugs.


Similarities to Law School: Regardless of whether I pursue a law degree or a Beefalo farm, I will still be a member of the ABA.