If a rancher/farmer has cows that he puts out on shares and gets a share of the calves but doesnt materially participate with them do you report the income on f or 4835?

I'd use 4835 if cows count as crops.

I know nothing about farms but your post says "materially participate with them" [calves]. That sounds kind of perverted to me.  Shouldn't a farm psychologist get involved....... I need Fireball at 9am this morning.

"Form 4835 to report rental income based on crop or livestock shares produced by a tenant if you didn't materially participate in the management or operation of a farm. This income isn't subject to self-employment tax. See Pub. 225."

@ret  It depends upon the facts and circumstances of your taxpayer.  What is his/her level of involvement in the beef enterprise?  What other farming/ranching activities is the taxpayer involved in?  Is there a direct nexus between these other activities? 

If your taxpayer is only doing landlord things, then yes, you can file on Form 4835.  IE: As a landlord he can fix fence and paint buildings but not much beyond that.

Livestock share arrangements were fairly common once-upon-a-time.  Not as common now-a-days, but still can qualify as rental income [Form 4835] if structured properly.  It is up to you to decide.