Popular Cattle Breeds for New Beef Ranches

More often than not, people looking for ranches for sale in Colorado are thinking of starting a beef ranch. With the way that the national beef industry has been performing as of late, there is no wonder why. It goes without saying that superior cattle breeds will yield superior beef. As such, only select breeds are typically raised in a beef ranch. Here are a few of the more popular ones in the United States: Wagyu Although known as a Japanese cattle breed, the truth is that the majority of the Wagyu beef used in Japan is imported from...

Read More

Plants That Can Ruin a Newly Bought Cattle Ranch

If you are looking at ranches for sale (or if you have already bought one), there is a good chance that you are considering establishing a cattle raising operation. In fact, you might have already decided which breed of cattle you will use and where to sell the beef. However, have you made sure that your ranch land is safe for your cattle? There many plants that are poisonous to cattle that can be growing on your land. These plants present a danger to your cattle, especially if you plan on letting them graze naturally. Here are two common...

Read More

What You Can Do with Ranch Land for Sale

It is no secret that purchasing real estate is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. However, many people do not realize that investing in ranch land in Utah goes beyond tucking the land away and selling it later once the property has appreciated. Purchasing ranch land for the sake of establishing a ranch seems like an obvious thing to do, but not many investors buy ranch land for that purpose. After all, they had already spent a good amount of money on the property and establishing a ranching operation requires a large amount...

Read More

Ranch Buying: Components of a Good Business Plan

Any successful ranch owner will tell you that a sound business plan is one of the most important considerations in finding the perfect ranch to buy. Purchasing a ranch requires a huge investment, so having a well-developed business plan that clearly identifies your goals is a must. This, then begs the question: What consists a good business plan for ranch purchasers? A good business plan must contain, among other things, the mission and vision for the business venture, production capabilities, production goals, estimated operational expenses,...

Read More

What Makes a Good Ranch Real Estate Company?

When it comes to purchasing a ranch, it is essential that you work with a good real estate company that knows and understands the huge investment you’re taking on. A good company will take all the steps necessary to ensure that you get the best ranch property for your needs and not theirs. Such companies make it their priority to help clients like you make the most informed decisions concerning your purchase. Every ranch property is different, as are the potential buyers that look at them. Reputable companies know that every client has different requirements...

Read More

Three Tips to Lighten Calving Days during Winter

Gearing up for a ranch purchase this winter? You might be interested in knowing a few tips to help you ensure successful calving during the cold season. Every good cowboy knows that calves need colostrum immediately within their first few hours of life, but beyond that, the tricks of the trade to make a calving season run more smoothly can vary greatly. Here are a few ideas to consider: Provide shelter Colder environment can compound a young cow’s efforts to feed. Thus, during inclement weather, windbreaks and bedding for the newborn animals...

Read More

Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cattle

With so many cattle breeds today, choosing which one to grow on your ranch can become quite difficult. Each breed has a wide variety of characteristics that make it unique—some breeds are better suited to certain environments than others, and some are easier to manage. Despite the variety, one particular breed will surely fit your goals, so you should look into each breed to find the one that will suit your interest, resources, environment, and growing capacity. Cattle breeds differ in size, color and markings, carcass traits, weather tolerance,...

Read More

Tips for Farming Success: Avoid Debt

The world needs food and smart people to grow it, so if you’re seriously considering farming as a career, one thing you should avoid like the plague is debt. Why? In the last fifty years, debt has caused more farms to close than drought, pestilence, and any other acts of nature combined. If there’s one thing the recent global economic meltdown can teach you, it’s that debt can be utterly debilitating. Farmers in large numbers have abandoned their ranches simply because they didn’t have the money to pay the bank when it came a-calling. This is...

Read More

Four Tips for Successful Planting

You’re about to purchase your very own ranch and you’re busy thinking of what to plant for a lush bounty of good eats this summer. However, before you decide WHAT you’re going to plant, decide first WHEN you’re going to plant. For novice and seasoned farmers alike, here are a few good tips for starting your garden: Understand the climate. Local weather affects the outcome of your crops significantly, so do some research about what the climate is in your area before planting. Visit a local farmer’s market and talk to someone who knows the optimal...

Read More

The First Step in Starting a Chicken Farm Business

It’s one thing to start a chicken farm, but to make a business out of it—especially one that thrives—is something else entirely. You won’t only be playing the role of a chicken farmer, but of a businessperson as well. So before you purchase a ranch for your plans, you need to identify the chicken market you want to target and the area of the chicken industry you want to tap. There are two main sectors in the industry: layers and broilers. Layers are chickens that are raised specifically to produce eggs, while broilers are chickens that are...

Read More

Tips on Starting a Grass-Fed Beef Ranch

Starting a grass-fed beef operation after buying a ranch for sale in Wyoming is a great business venture. With so many people becoming conscious of what they eat, grass-fed beef is becoming a popular choice at dining establishments around the United States. In addition, many countries that import US beef are beginning to prefer grass-fed beef as opposed to beef from cattle fed with enhanced feeds. Those who are interested in starting a grass-fed beef ranch should consider a few important factors when going into such a venture. These include: Wild...

Read More

Dude Ranches to Admire and Emulate

There are many ways people can develop a ranch they have just purchased in Wyoming. One of their options is to start a dude ranch. Dude ranches are family-friendly vacation destinations that allow people to enjoy a taste of the Wild West. For people interested in starting a dude ranch, here is a short list of the top dude ranches in the United States that can serve as their inspiration: T Cross Ranch The T Cross Ranch is one of the most historic dude ranches in Wyoming. Here, guests can go fishing, horseback riding, and trekking along...

Read More

Taking Care of Your Ranch Animals During Disasters

Colorado is no stranger to inclement weather and natural disasters that could be devastating for any ranch owner. This is why it's important to know what to do to minimize the losses and damage suffered when catastrophe strikes. This includes protecting your animals from harm, while at the same time protecting yourself. Here are a few tips. Always remove headstalls and halters when not needed. Headstalls and halters can encumber horses as they can get caught up in trees, posts, and other obstacles along the way. This is bad news when...

Read More

The Basics of Horse Care

There's no better way of getting around your own ranch than with a good horse. The great advantages horses offer a rancher are, of course, accompanied by serious responsibilities in looking after these steeds. That said, here are three basics on taking care of horses. Food Feeding horses is actually a bit more complicated than just giving the animal some hay. For example, it's advisable to add a bit of grain to horses' diet to make sure that they get all the nutrition they need. Mold is also a major factor as it could cause serious lung...

Read More

The Animals You Can Have in Your Ranch

Different ranch animals serve different purposes. They are usually classified into poultry animals, dairy animals, and transportation animals. Poultry animals include chicken, ducks, turkey, etc. Examples of dairy animals are cows, goats, buffaloes, etc. Poultry and dairy animals are always in high demand because of their meat and other products such as eggs, milk, etc., which are packed with many health benefits. Some ranch animals, like horses, yaks, llamas, and donkeys, are good for transportation Common ranch animals are, no doubt, beneficial,...

Read More

Kidding Around: How to Care for Baby Goats

There's no doubt that baby goats—or kids as they're more popularly known—are cute little bundles of joy. The way they flounce, bounce, and cuddle is utterly irresistible. However, like human kids, they grow up so fast, and taking care of them involves a lot of work. Here are some tips on how to raise them right: Make sure they receive colostrum, which is the first thick milk produced by the mother goat, or doe. Colostrum contains proteins, carbs, and other nutrients that young infants need. Most importantly, it contains specific antibodies...

Read More

Facts on Common Ranching Cattle Breeds

So, you've just bought ranch property, and are now taking the first steps towards establishing a cattle ranch. One of the most common questions first time ranchers ask is “what breed of cattle should I use for my ranch?” This is a valid and important question because each cattle variety presents ranchers with different advantages and disadvantages; and selecting the right breed for your ranch can help boost profitability. As such, here are a few facts on the most common breeds of cattle ranchers being raised: Angus The Angus breed, originating...

Read More

Tips for Buying a Ranch as an Investment

Investing in land is one of the more popular investment strategies due to the fact that the value of land appreciates over time; when paired with the fact that the price of food has been rising in the country, purchasing and establishing a ranch is a great investment option. Wealthy moguls such as Ted Turner, founder of CNN, have looked into ranching as an investment venture for quite some time, and have happily reaped the benefits of doing so. However, purchasing a ranch can be difficult, especially for first time buyers. As such, here...

Read More

Home on the Range: The Ranch Life is For You

Living in a ranch, let alone owning one, is a dream that few people ever get to realize. It's a shame, too, because the ranch life can be quite fun and rewarding, especially for those who enjoy being out in the open and enjoying some of the more natural things in life. For urban and rural dwellers alike who want to be home on the range, here are three things you can do while living the ranch life. Rolling up Hay Bales. With all the grazing livestock running around your ranch, you'd need lots of fodder to keep them healthy. Making gigantic...

Read More

Cattle Farming Is a Rewarding Experience

Food production always has a lot of potential to be a lucrative business as the demand for the product is always inelastic. People with ample land and resources are encouraged to delve into farming, not only because of the income potential, but for the invaluable role the agricultural sector plays for the rest of society. With so much to learn and do, ranching is generally a highly engaging activity. While many of the basic principles of herding developed by ancient civilizations still apply, modern livestock breeding and raising involves...

Read More

How Buying a Ranch Can Change a Person’s Life

Investors are not so wild about the idea of buying a ranch simply because the financial returns are not as high as with other proven investments. However, there are still individuals who exhaust large portions of their savings for a property that, for them, is so much more than a money-generating asset. They perceive the ranch as a realization of a life-long dream and more. One reason people buy ranches is they want to manage a property that is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. While running a ranch is indeed no easy feat, owners...

Read More

Things to Consider Before Buying a Ranch

While most people find purchasing a condo or a house rather overwhelming; imagine the stress involved when you're looking to purchase a ranch. While the prospect of owning a self-sustaining residence and business is appealing, there are a few things to consider when buying a ranch. As such, here are a few reminders for potential ranch buyers: Ranches are very big, very expensive investments. As such, always have a budget ready before purchasing a ranch, and stick to that budget. Aside from the cost of the ranch itself, you may need to purchase livestock...

Read More

Fun activities to pursue in Wyoming

If you’re looking for the one state in the Union where you don’t have to worry about the neighbors complaining about you, Wyoming may fit the bill. The Cowboy State is locked in by the Eastern Rockies occupying much of the western region, and the High Plains to the east. However, the pristine settings and backdrops offered by several mountain ranges such as the Tetons and the Sierra Madre offer many opportunities for fun activities. For instance, the Killpecker Sand Dunes near Rock Springs are an off-roader’s playground, with the Boar’s Tusk...

Read More

Herding Cattle in the Ranch? Just Trot Back and Forth

If you're that one man on horseback in a cattle ranch responsible for managing dozens of heads, what do you do if you want the herd to move? Cattle handling expert Bud Williams offers a simple three-step idea to herding cattle, whether it's a small herd or one with enough cattle to shoot a Marlboro commercial. You already fulfilled half of the requirement to pull this off by being on horseback; although riding an all-terrain vehicle would work, as would doing it on foot. The herding technique involves shuttling back and forth in a straight or...

Read More

The Beginner's Guide to Running a Ranch

When you buy a ranch, you and your family are set to experience a different kind of lifestyle that can be rewarding if you plan well. Whether you're buying a ranch as a business investment, planning to raise livestock and grow crops as your source of livelihood, or want to buy a private ranch that will become the ideal retreat for your family, it is important to be prepared for the challenges life on a ranch may pose. Farming and ranching work are often underestimated by many buyers. Never entertain the idea that anyone can perform these jobs...

Read More

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Ranch

The thought of spending days riding horses over expansive landscapes is so appealing that many city folks are willing to vacate their suburban homes just to experience rural living. With many ranches awaiting their prospective occupants, it shouldn't be difficult to turn such a dream into a reality. Before you decide to buy your own ranch, however, you'll need to ask yourself several questions: What is the ranch's purpose? Are you planning to set up a working ranch, a private ranch, or a dude ranch? If you're thinking of establishing a...

Read More

Investing in Dude Ranches

If you've invested in a ranch, you'd certainly want to see sizable returns on your investment. This means transforming the place into a wonderful dude ranch. However, depending on the ranch's overall condition at the time of purchase, it may take some time to transform the ranch into a suitable income generator. Dude ranches are split into a few broad categories: Basic Dude Ranches The basic dude ranch will be geared towards horseback riding activities. Ranch personnel can train guests on the finer details of riding and taking care...

Read More

Financing a Ranch in Oregon

Investing in a ranch requires a lot of money. When you're considering a modestly sized house, utilities, a barn, and potentially thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, the price alone could run anywhere between six and eight digits. That amount may not even factor in the property tax and closing costs, plus the upkeep for employees. Financing may be the way to go when you are looking to buy a farm but do not have enough cash on hand. As with every other financial endeavor, a lender will first study your credit history to determine your...

Read More

To Fence or Not to Fence Your Ranch?

Wyoming state law requires ranchers to build fences around their respective ranches to benefit from the law itself. To be accurate, Wyoming doesn't strictly require fences for demarcation, but as a fence-out state for cattle, ranchers that don't have fences on their properties can't hold other ranchers liable if the latter's livestock enters their territory. If the ranch came with the fence, however, then any trespassers would hold its owners liable for any damage inflicted. A fence-out, also called an open range, means ranchers can have their...

Read More

Excellent Farmland & Cattle Ranches in Wyoming

In Wyoming, anything beyond the capital city of Cheyenne is open land. In fact, the nearest city, which is Laramie to the west, is almost 50 miles away. You may not see land more expansive than in Wyoming, and the state's economy relies heavily on agricultural and livestock production. Among its greatest exports include sheep; the state ranks fourth in sheep and lamb production, and produces around 400,000 lambs and sheep, and 3.12 million pounds of wool a year. However, sheep and lamb production is rather modest when compared to the state's...

Read More

On Living the Pioneer Life in Utah to the Fullest

According to a 2012 population estimate by the United States Census Bureau, Utah is the 10th least populated state in America. Additionally, around 80% of its citizens live along the Wasatch Front surrounding Salt Lake City, meaning a lot of the state's lands remain unoccupied. Some people see such territories as barren and inhospitable landscapes; however, others see opportunity and the perfect retreat from the stresses of modern life. It's possible to live the life of a rancher in Utah, particularly in the northern quarter of the state. Eastern...

Read More

Living in a Well-Managed Ranch Community

Many cities these days are getting more and more congested and the resulting pollution can sometimes be unbearable. Living in an urban area no longer holds the same appeal that it did years ago when city life was less stressful. Today, many people are looking for better lifestyle alternatives like transferring to suburbs or buying ranches for sale. In the U.S., there are many such real estate properties especially in areas with wide open spaces and sparse population densities. A number of ranch real estate companies have developed vast tracts...

Read More

The Irresistible Ranch Lifestyle in Colorado

Oscar-winning director and actor Kevin Costner is no stranger to the Western genre as it is his roles in these type of films where he first earned prominence. He is also one of the numerous celebrities who has shown his  devotion to the ranch lifestyle both onscreen and off screen. In a 2012 issue of Men's Journal, he referred to his 165-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado as his “heaven on earth.” So what is it about Colorado that inspire a ranch lifestyle? Well, for one, Colorado is a state that is known for its diverse geographical features...

Read More

What You Should Know Before Buying a Ranch

Many people dream of owning a ranch, and for good reason. The thought of spending your days amid wide open spaces and living off the land as an agriculturist can be very appealing. However, managing a ranch is not as easy as it may sound. It requires a lot of hard work and a good grasp of the technicalities involved. First of all, it is important to understand the process of livestock raising. This includes many aspects of cattle management, including cattle health, breeding, and nutritional needs. Additionally, the right selection of livestock...

Read More

Buying A Ranch? Hold Your Horses A Lil' Bit!

When you look at a ranch, you will usually see a barn, a farmhouse, pens full of livestock, and vast expanses of land waiting to be explored. If you're buying a ranch as part of efforts to have a cleaner lifestyle outside the city, think again. There are many pitfalls to hurdle before any ranch owner who wants top dollar for their property gives you the deed of sale. First, a budding rancher should have intricate knowledge of agriculture and livestock management, in addition to common business administration practices. This includes talking...

Read More

Living The Cowboy Life: Buying A Ranch

Being able to own a ranch is something that many people can only dream of. After all, you need big investments in order to buy and maintain a ranch of any size, and you have to get used to the different lifestyle while you're at it. Still, becoming a ranch owner is one of the most fulfilling endeavors you can pursue, so don't leave it entirely out of your bucket list. There are many considerations when it comes to running a ranch. Capital is naturally the biggest one followed closely by land area, kind and number of animals, amount of time...

Read More

What to Do Before You Decide to Buy Ranches for Sale

To some extent, buying a ranch is like buying a home so you do not end up buying something you aren't sure of. When you see some ranches for sale, you have to thoroughly evaluate each of them before you decide which one to buy. This is, of course, to make sure that you will get nothing but your money's worth. One of the greatest considerations you should have when evaluating ranches is the size. You should already have an idea on how big it should be, considering the number and the kinds of animals you are going to put there. Another consideration...

Read More

Buttermilk Economics: Making the Most Out of Ranch Land

Ranch dressing is a very popular condiment, primarily used as a dip or in a salad. It was the brainchild of two ranchers in California in 1954, instantly garnering enough popularity for Clorox (yes, the bleach maker Clorox) to buy it from them for $8 million in 1972 (around $70 million in today's dollars). Upon a closer look, ranch dressing is a basic mixture of buttermilk and some spices. However, ranch dressing shows that nothing goes to waste in a ranch or farm. Buttermilk originally comes from the liquid left behind by the churning process,...

Read More