So, you’ve decided that you want to start a ranch. This isn’t something you can drive over to your nearest animal feed store to get going right now. There are a few more steps to consider before you begin.
Getting Started
Visions and Values
What are your goals for this ranch? Do you want to prize yourself on the cheapest product? Or do you value the highest quality meat? Do you want to take over an established operation or start your own from scratch? These are all things you need to know before starting a ranch. Figure out what you want your end game to be and work backward from there.
Business Operations
Even if your passion is working on the land, you’ll still need to set up all your business and administrative tasks. Hire someone else if you don’t want to deal with this, or teach yourself about financing, marketing, and risk analysis. Recruit qualified team members and promote a great working relationship with them.
Suitable Land and Supplies
Gather all the equipment, land, infrastructure, and qualified employees that you will need. Look into grazing and pasture laws that will apply to your ranch if you plan on moving livestock across public lands. You will ensure that your livestock lives in a symbiotic relationship with the land and not deplete its resources too fast. If purchasing land, find a suitable environment for whatever animals you’ll be tending to.
Keeping it Running
Livestock Management
Learn all you can about managing, breeding, and selling livestock. These are foundational things you need to know before starting a ranch. Form a good relationship with a local, mobile vet so they can help when you need backup at the most inconvenient times. Ask them about any supplemental foods or medicine you’ll need.
Water Sources
Whether you haul water for your livestock or utilize natural sources, you’ll need to ensure they have access to clean water. Rainwater collection is ideal if you are in a wetter climate, but creating your water sources is also an option. Either way, make sure that you know how to prevent water contamination.
Product Distribution
Find several avenues through which you can sell your livestock. This could be to a breeder, a slaughterhouse, or another rancher. Ideally, you can find multiple sources for each category to make sure you always have options for different revenue streams.
If you are new to working with the land, you may encounter a few roadblocks. Stick to these tips, and you’ll be off to a great start.
