Is becoming a rancher right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do ranchers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are ranchers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are ranchers like?

Still unsure if becoming a rancher is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a rancher or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Rancher

Although a degree is not required to be a rancher, some ranchers do complete a degree in agriculture (ranch management) or a similar field. Instead of earning a degree, an aspiring rancher could be an apprentice to an experienced rancher in order to learn the skills necessary. This takes between one to two years and is a hands-on, on-the-job intensive type of training. Many experienced ranchers love to pass their skills on to the next generation.

Some skills necessary in order to become a rancher:

  • some relevant experience is typically preferred for entry-level positions
  • a good business and management sense is needed in order for the ranch to become a profitable business
  • some repair and maintenance skills are necessary in order to keep equipment and structures in good working order
  • some veterinary skills are necessary in order to maintain the health of the herd
  • planning skills are key, as a ranch can be rife with unexpected obstacles