Objectives The model of farming cows under planting-farming cycle in dry-hot river valley was studied to improve the efficiency of farming, strengthen the environment protection and increase the comprehensive utilization rate of land. Methods Six farmers in two hot and dry river valleys in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province were selected to plant one season of maize and two seasons of vegetables on 2 000 m² of land each year, accompanied by 667 m² of king grass. Each household raised 3 cows able to give birth. The optimal eco-recycling model for farming cows in the region was determined by comparatively analyzing the benefit of the single planting and the benefit of the combination of planting and farming. Results Planting two seasons of lentils and one season of maize produced 7.26 tons of fresh beans, 12.06 tons of soybean straw, and 11.37 tons of whole-plant corn by making good use of 2 000 m² of land. Accompanied planting 667 square meters of king grass produced an annual output of 34.8 tons of fresh grass, meeting the coarse feed requirements for raising 3 cows and 2.5 calves. 30 tons of fresh cow manure were produced annually as organic fertilizer and returned to the field. The annual income from selling fresh beans and half-year-old calves was 21 900 yuan and 17 500 yuan, achieving a combination of planting and farming for ecological cycle and increasing the benefits of planting and farming. Conclusions This model of farming cows under planting-farming cycle is suitable for the integration and development of local planting industries and beef cattle farming industries, and is worth promoting.