How to Become a Rancher
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Becoming a rancher is a big career decision that is a life-long dedication to tending to farmland that you own or plan to work with. Working on a ranch requires you to know about animal health management, operating farming equipment, oversee breeding of livestock, and a plethora of other tasks that are relevant to the area of ranching expertise you wish to focus on.
The Kind of Ranch
There are numerous types of ranches that you can put up in the United States. Depending on what you’re eyeing to accomplish like producing AGA-certified beef or wish to educate people about homesteading, it’s important to get familiar with what kind of ranch that you really want. There are mainly three types of ranches that you can find in the United States.
Livestock/Beef Cattle Ranch
The most common type of ranch is livestock ranches which can be seen throughout the United States. These ranches are known for producing food products such as pork, beef, chicken, eggs, goat, lamb, and dairy. Some also produce textiles in the form of wool that's taken from the seasonal shearing of sheep.
Out of all the kinds that predominantly dot the country, this is the most profitable type of ranch and requires a good background in ranch management, marketing, and general business know-how.
Guest Ranch
Guest ranches are more destination ranches that offer picturesque sprawling views of the countryside to visitors. Depending on the ranch, the income that this type generates stems from the influx of tourists, photographers, and nature lovers and the service that this kind of ranch provides.
Here, you'll see accommodations that are set up as more of an inland resort of sorts. There are usually rooms where people can stay over for the night and a farm-to-table restaurant so guests can enjoy dishes using farm-fresh ingredients. Activities for guests usually consist of hiking and climbing, with some even offering historical tours covering remnants of prehistory.
Hunting/Game Ranch
Unlike your average cattle ranch, a game ranch caters specifically to hunters. Originally spread throughout Africa, there are now a number of hunting ranches throughout the United States.
If you're in the long game and are looking to invest considerable time, resources, and effort on your ranch, a hunting/game ranch might just be for you.
Prerequisite Training and Education
But what does it take to become a rancher? What do you need in the way of education and hands-on experience? Read on and find out in the next section where we will be discussing the necessary prerequisites in basic know-how to training associates degree programs in local community colleges.
One cannot just simply jump into the ranch life and become a rancher overnight. Certain career advancements need to be followed by aspiring ranchers. This is to ensure that you will be prepared for any challenges that you might face on the field or while tending to livestock.
Educational Attainment
Most ranchers in the US and Texas have at least a high school diploma to start with. This is a huge advantage when ranching because of the possible skills development courses like agricultural economics, training to raise livestock, and other widely available courses in different community colleges across the country.
Also, if you're in the process of earning your high school diploma, a good place to start getting hands-on experience while earning on the side is to apply as a farm or ranch hand at your local family-owned farm.
Get an Education on Ranching
This is when having a high school diploma comes quite handy because you can further your experience in the field by backing it up with some formal/semi-formal education. Many community colleges offer Associates Degree Programs such as conservation, animal and range management, animal nutrition, and a lot more involving agriculture or the rearing of livestock. There are also business management courses that will help aspiring ranchers acquire the know-how of efficient business management practices. With these traditional training institutions, you will be able to study subjects relevant to ranching.
If you wish to go a separate path of learning, there are also other avenues for education where you can stack up relevant field experience. Many ranchers have picked up their skills by training under more experienced ranchers to gain hands-on experience. Ranchers who offer apprenticeships usually are a means to pass on their knowledge about ranching like regenerative agriculture, and sustainable beef cattle raising, amongst other many approaches to running a ranch.
Certifications and Career Advancement
To get any formal certifications or possible opportunities in career advancement for aspiring ranchers, at least four years of work in the relevant field or a bachelor's degree is required by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. The advantage of getting a certification from this organization is that they provide professional ranchers throughout the country with access to management tools, market data, and even consultations.
Some would say that becoming a rancher starts from the heart and no formal education can ever give to a person that drives for ranching but it is our belief here at TexasRealFood that you should become prepared with the necessary experience and knowledge. A life of ranching is exciting and all but as the saying goes, 'fools rush in where Ranchers fear to tread.'
Becoming a Rancher in Texas
Texas has long been known as the Lone Star State with its expansive ranches, and it's no doubt that becoming a Texas rancher can be an exciting and rewarding career.
Whether you're aiming for a full-time job or a weekend hobby, here are some tips on how to become a Texas rancher.
Get Training
Texas requires all aspiring ranchers to complete a Texas Department of Agriculture approved educational program, such as the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Beef Cattle Management Certificate Program.
This will help ensure you understand how to properly manage cattle and operations on your ranch. You should also gain experience by working on different ranches and observing their operations.
Licenses and Permits
Texas is home to many different types of livestock, so you'll need to get the proper licenses for each type – such as a Texas Brand Registration Certificate for cattle or a Texas Hunting License for hunting deer or other wild game. You'll also need to get the necessary permits from Texas Parks & Wildlife and other state agencies to legally operate your ranch.
It's good if you have access to or know an experienced rancher or consultant for this because they have the experience in complying with the state's licensing processes and permits to get your ranching operation going.
Look Into Real-Estate for Ranching
Texas has some of the most affordable ranching lands in the country, so you should consider buying a plot of land for your ranch. You can find available properties by searching Texas Ranches for Sale or by working with a Texas real estate agent.
Also, applying for farm loans is a great way to finance your dream ranching operation. Of course, in applying for a loan, be ready to present a comprehensive business plan that details how you're going to establish a profitable ranch.
Acquire Equipment and Supplies
Once you've got your land, you'll need the proper equipment to manage your ranch.
This includes items such as feed troughs, cattle pens, fences, tractors, and trailers. You should also purchase the necessary supplies like feed, hay, and veterinary medicines.
Marketing Your Ranching Operation
Texas ranchers have the opportunity to market their operation through regional and national livestock auctions, as well as online marketing platforms such as Texas Cattlemen's Association or Texas Farm Bureau.
You can also create a website for your ranch if you want to reach more customers.
For more tips on how to become a farmer, click here!
