A rancher’s job is to look over land and animals on a large farm property. Ranchers can own their own farm and can also work for other farm owners. The life of a rancher can be exciting due to its unplanned nature. Every day presents unique challenges and opportunities depending on season, animal temperament, weather, and other factors. [1] X Research source As a rancher, you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors. You may have to travel a lot as well, but will see a lot of beautiful countryside across the United States. If you love traveling and the outdoors, this could be a great career for you. [2] X Research source Salary can be tricky when it comes to a rancher. Your annual salary will fluctuate based on the current market and how much a given farm makes in a year. A bad season can mean financial setbacks. Traditional benefits, like healthcare, are not usually offered for ranchers. These are factors to consider before committing yourself to the life. [3] X Research source In recent years, the outlook for rancher as a career has been getting worse. Keep in mind you may make less money the more time you spend working on a ranch.
Analytical skills are useful for managing a farm and ranch. Taking on leadership positions and college courses in marketing and management can help. You’ll also need critical thinking skills as you’ll have to make decisions regarding livestock. Seeking out management positions, even for unrelated fields, can help hone your critical thinking skills as problem solving is a key component to management. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Interpersonal skills are important. Seek out experience in customer service and other jobs where you have to work with people. Take a summer job at a call center, for example. Networking with other ranchers and making deals with farmers is a key component of ranching, so interpersonal communication is key. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Mechanical skills are also vital. Work on a local farm and ask for the opportunity to learn how equipment works. Take an internship or apprenticeship with a local mechanic. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Stock up on science related classes in high school. While there’s no specific educational path to become a rancher, having knowledge of animal biology can certainly help your chances of success. You should also take food and consumer studies courses to learn about agriculture, food production, and other aspects of farming. Start gaining experience working with animals. Volunteer on a local farm. Join 4H. Take horseback riding lessons. Anything that builds relevant, hands-on experience with farm work can help you build your resume for a career as a rancher.
A four-year degree in food studies, agriculture, biology, or other fields related to farming and farm studies can help. An associate’s degree or apprenticeship might also be a good option if you don’t want to dedicate four years to school. Depending on your location, you may be able to enroll in a program that specifically focuses on ranching and farm work. Ask around at local farms or talk to your school counselor about your plans. Many land-grant or state universities offer beginning farming programs. They’re not a full 4-year degree but provide you with a relevant certification. [7] X Research source
The US government has some beginning farming and ranching programs you could look into. This would be a great place to start gaining experience. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Linking programs are listed on the Center for Rural Affairs website. This can help you find linking programs in your area and match you with ranchers who share your ethics. Even if you do not end up staying in the program long term, doing some work for various linking programs can help build your resume and allow you to gain valuable experience.
Be a steward of the resources around you. Make sure you take care of land you work on and engage in in environmentally friendly farming techniques. If you’re working with a herd of livestock, use preventative health plans. Vaccinate calves against contagious diseases and watch for the signs of seasonal colds and flus. Quarantine animals showing early signs of sickness. Make sure all the livestock in a herd get enough food. Some animals may to slow or weak and get cut off from a food source. Always monitor animals to make sure they’re at the proper weight. Buy quality but inexpensive materials. Network with other farmers to keep track of where to get the best hay, riding supplies, and other ranching materials for a low cost without sacrificing quality. [9] X Research source
Attend rodeos and see if you can volunteer. Just working as a farmhand can help as you’ll get a sense of the scene. [10] X Research source
Learn from someone who has a lot of experience with horses if you don’t know a lot about them yourself. You’ll also want to read some books and really study horse care and horse behavior.
Join a gym and make use of weight training equipment, like weight machines and elliptical machines. Talk to a trainer at the gym to get your current fitness level evaluated. If you start out pushing yourself too hard, you could end up with an injury that could compromise your career. Try to work on endurance as well. Take up running, jogging, biking, or other activities where you have to be physically active for a long time.
If possible, start at a young age. Take horseback riding lessons at a local farm or ranch. Practice all aspects of riding: jumping, barrel racing, western, english, side saddle. As a rodeo rancher a lot of your job is to entertain so you’ll need to have a diverse skill set on hand. [12] X Research source A good horse is also important. Many rodeo cowboys say having a good horse under them makes or breaks a career. Pay attention to how you bond with each horse your ride and how well that horse responds to your signals. [13] X Research source
You might have to start small. Sign up for low stakes events and competitions at local rodeos. If you’re successful and begin winning competitions, you’ll begin moving up in the ranks. [14] X Research source Practice. Daily practice and hard work is what will ultimately determine your success as a rodeo cowboy. You’ll need to focus on using much of your spare time improving before you’re established. [15] X Research source Look into 4H rodeos. Many 4H’s host low stake rodeo events. This would be a great opportunity to start off and gain some experience.
