What is the primary purpose of cow/calf operations?

The primary purpose of cow/calf operations is to breed and raise calves until they are weaned, which sets the stage for their future marketing. This process is essential as it focuses on maintaining a breeding herd that will produce high-quality calves. The calves are typically sold once they are weaned, and this marks a significant part of the income for the cow/calf operation.

In this context, while feeding cattle for market weight and harvesting finished cattle are focused on later stages of production, cow/calf operations primarily concentrate on breeding and raising calves for sale. This is a crucial component of the beef industry, as it ensures a steady supply of young cattle that will eventually become market weight animals, contributing to the overall beef supply chain. Thus, the marketing of calves aligns closely with the fundamental objectives of cow/calf operations, making it the correct answer.