More than 300 years ago, early Spanish settlers discovered an ideal location for large-scale cattle ranching: the grasslands of north central Florida. Here they raised livestock to feed the local garrisons and to export from ports along the Gulf coast. As early as 1626, cattle ranches operated in the Ocala area, making the first expansion of Spanish landholdings into the interior of the Florida Territory.

Like horses, cattle have always been a part of Live Oak. The original herd was acquired when the farm was purchased from Widener. Now, nearly 1,000 head graze parts of the 4,500-acre farm, with purebred herds of Brahman and Charolais, in addition to a variety of crossbreds.

Hay is produced on the farm for the cattle operation.