I appreciate the responses. I've learned a lot from reading through the posts on this website and have realized that this is just a good place for good advice. So, thanks. But to answer some of the questions....Here's what I understand as far as the Ag rating and what my county is looking for, at least in Colorado, is that you must have at least three head and show some type of profit from your livestock or from the product that is produced from your land. Although, that's when talking cattle, it isn't necessarily true with other types of livestock. I didn't read that far into it.
As far as feed, the acreage has some very nice grass hay with very little weeds for the summer months and I understand that I would have to hay them in the winter, not a problem, whether I buy the hay or bale it myself along with supplements, etc. I have fenced the property and cross-fenced it into three different pastures with the understanding that it may need to be hot wired, which I don't have a problem with. I don't think getting ample water to them would be a problem and shelter....Well, I haven't decided on that 100% yet, especially if they are here through some of the harsh winters. Loafing sheds? Maybe? Highlanders are pretty hearty.
Like some said in their responses, they just like cows. I'm kinda the same way. I'm not looking to form a multi-million dollar corporation but just do something I know I would enjoy. Getting in touch with the county extension agent is great advice and imperative for me in order to figure this out. Whether there is necessarily a profit or not, really doesn't matter to me, and I know there won't be much of one based on the amount of land that I have to work with. But maybe buying two or three in the spring and selling them off in the fall might be worth a shot at some point. But for now, yeah, maybe just a hobby, and something different for my daughter to learn about, other than the city life.
Thanks again for all the well needed advice. If you think of anything else, I would be happy to read about it. Do's and Don'ts, mistakes made along the way? By the way, copy and paste the two links below and see what we're up against here in Colorado. Although, it doesn't sound like a real big deal right now, it's something that could be headed your way in the future.
Legislation aims to minimize Colorado's ag-land tax breaks - The Denver Post
Colorado Cattlemen - News