Creating a Cattle Company From Scratch Part 1.
Building the Giblin Cattle Company
Hey everyone, my name is Cooper Giblin, and I’m excited to finally put this post together for the Giblin Cattle Company blog. Starting something new is always a challenge, and this has definitely been outside my comfort zone. But I’ve learned that feeling nervous often means you’re heading in the right direction. As the saying goes, excitement and fear share the same chemical pathways—so let’s call this excitement!
My Background and the Evolution of This Journey
I’ve been documenting my farming journey for a while now. Previously, I ran a YouTube channel called CP’s Farm, where I experimented with content and tried to stay consistent. That year of content creation taught me a lot, but I felt like I wasn’t truly honing in on my purpose.
Currently, I’m a dairy apprentice in Maine, with my program running until October 2025. Beyond my apprenticeship, I own three beef cows—Lowline Angus-Holstein crosses. They’re young, they’re beautiful, and they’re just the start of my herd.
Discovering No-Risk Ranching
My approach to cattle farming is inspired by Greg Judy’s book No Risk Ranching, which was introduced to me by my manager. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: custom grazing other people’s cattle while slowly building your own stock. The idea resonated with me immediately because it avoids the traditional farming pitfalls—such as taking on massive debt and relying on volatile dairy markets.
I’ve had conversations with numerous small dairy farmers, many of whom struggle to stay afloat due to high costs and fluctuating milk prices. Their experiences confirmed my suspicion that a conventional dairy operation isn’t the path I want to take. Instead, I’m focused on sustainable, low-overhead cattle farming.
The Grass-Fed Difference
One of my core beliefs is that healthier animals lead to healthier food. Grass-fed beef and dairy products, free from unnecessary antibiotics and grain dependencies, not only taste better but also offer superior nutrition.
Our dairy farm sells raw milk, and I can personally attest to the difference in quality. When you consume food from well-raised animals, you feel the difference. That’s why I’m committed to prioritizing animal health and sustainable practices in my own operation.
Establishing the Business
The foundation for Giblin Cattle Company is being laid. I’ve set up an LLC, opened a business bank account, and secured a small loan from my dad to help with artificial insemination costs. There’s still a long road ahead, including getting insurance, but saying it out loud means I have to get it done!
Starting a business comes with countless tasks and unexpected delays. I try to stay disciplined—going to the gym, keeping a routine, and avoiding distractions—but weeks still slip by. The key is to keep pushing forward, even when progress feels slow.
Summer 2025 Plans: Custom Grazing
One of the most exciting developments is a potential grazing arrangement with a local historical society. They own a 16.6-acre farm that they want to see utilized for agriculture again. Since they lack the resources to graze or hay it themselves, I proposed using it for my cattle.
The land has no electricity and only a hand-dug well, so I’ll need to implement a solar-powered water system. My plan is to install a solar pump, black plastic piping, and an automatic waterer to ensure my cows have a reliable water source.
For fencing, I’ll be using Gallagher polywire reels and fiberglass posts—an affordable and effective temporary fencing solution. My goal is to rotationally graze my cows on this land and, if all goes well, expand to other properties in the future.
The Long-Term Vision
This summer will be a trial run for expanding the operation. If things go smoothly, I plan to scale up by finding more landowners willing to allow grazing. There are hundreds of acres of underutilized land around me, and with the right approach, I believe I can build a thriving business without the financial burdens that traditional farms face.
I’m also considering adding sheep to the mix. They require less water, thrive in tough conditions, and can complement a cattle operation. However, diversification is a double-edged sword—too many different enterprises can spread resources thin. Right now, my primary focus is on refining my beef cattle operation before expanding too broadly.
Looking Ahead
The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to share every step of the process with you all. From setting up infrastructure to troubleshooting challenges, I’ll be documenting the highs and lows of building Giblin Cattle Company.
If you’re interested in sustainable farming, no-risk ranching, or just want to follow along, stay tuned for updates. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to see where this path leads!