Bovine Business

It's easy to lose money.

That's what Tyson Nielsen learned when he started up his own cattle operation. The 14-year-old Marsing student secured a loan from the Farm Service Agency, purchased black Angus calves and went to work, developing his herd.

But tragedy struck in his second year when he lost two cows and a calf.

"It was a $3,000 loss," Nielsen said. "It felt awful."

The honor roll student -- now 17 and a senior in high school -- dug into his savings to make the loan payment and kept working.

The effort paid off. Last year, Nielsen made $2,000 after expenses, selling off some of his calves. But he said the real benefits of having his own business can be seen in his level of commitment.

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