starting a ranch.

[brittk]

First, I apoligize if this is in the wrong section.

In any case, I was wondering if there was anyone I could talk to about starting a ranch? I'm a seventeen-year-old, and yeah, I still have those rose-colored glasses on. [at least, that's what my father says] I want to become a rancher; but I have absolutely no idea how to begin. My family owns some land in Northern Florida, and we have experience raising cattle and horses - but I seriously doubt to the extent that would be needed to have a successful ranch.

I was thinking of taking classes - or getting a major - in Auburn Universisty's agricultural department. But, what classes would I need to take and would it be worth it? I'm also looking around the state(s) for summer ranching jobs, but would that help at all?

I realize that ranching probably ain't nothing but a sink-hole to put money in, but I want to at least take a shot at it before I throw the dream away. Now, I guess I got to apologize for being so darn optimistic/naive, but I guess all teenagers are like that. And, I know that this is vague and will probably bring up more questions then answers; sorry 'bout that.

I would love some feedback,
Britt

[leanin' H]

Learn as much as you can from school and work. Find jobs doing ranch work and don't be scared to try all aspects from cow/calf to purebred producer to farming. It does take the right last name or some serious cash to jump in very deep. But if your heart is in it and you like to work a lot it can be done. Welcome to Ranchers! Good luck and don't get discouraged. If I quit everytime I got run over i'd be pretty unhappy with my life.

[brittk]

Thank you so much for the advice (: It's much appreciated!

[Clarencen]

Britt:
Good to know there are still some out there who would consider becoming a farmer or rancher. While many people ignore the fact, we still need people to produce our food.

You are seventeen, probably ready for college in anothe year. I would say get a good handle on economics. To run a successful ranch today requires a large investment of money. You cannot borrow money at 10% if you can only get a 4 or 5% return on your investment. There are a lot of ranchers wo try to do this.

The ranchers who are well off today either found a way to operate where they could get a better return or they put all their extra earnings into more assets, then with inflation have been able to grow in wealth.

I have learned in the past few years, now that I am older, that banks are a little more reluctant to loan money just on assets they want to make sure there is a cash flow.

[Ben H]

Knowing what I know now, if I could go back, I would have spent at least a semester in New Zealand, maybe even a year. In my opinion, if you want to learn the future of how to be profitable, how to survive without subsidies, learn from the Kiwis, they get it.

[flyingS]

Britt, I hear ya. Don't listen to the BS about how it is a dead end road. While you have the opportunity focus on economics and range management if you can. I strongly believe that a great cowman with a good set of cows can go broke but a good manager with a average set of cows will find a way to make it work. Don't just limit your education to college, attend as many seminars and meeting as you can. There is alway something that can be learned if you listen, it may not be from a speaker but in conversation with other people. The best advice I can give you is start trying to build you assests somehow. Save money or build a cow herd and be intense about it, keep records of your investments and cash flow. My banker likes to see all my income and business ventures, she isn't keeping tabs on me rather when I borrow a signifigant amount of money she has something to go to the lending board with. GOOD LUCK. Remember, LIVING WITHOUT DREAMS IS NOT LIVING AT ALL.

[Justin]

[RobinFarmandRanch]

by no means do i think i am a full fledged rancher. but maybe one day i will be. i went to LSU and majored in ag business learned alot about the economics of farming and ranching. after i graduated i enrolled in the farm and ranch management program at texas christian. its not a degree, but it was well worth the money for everything i learned. also get with some local cattle ranchers that could teach you a little bit.

[brittk]

Thanks so much for all the advice! I plan on going to Auburn if I have the money and taking a few agricultural business classes and maybe some classes in bovine/equine science. So, maybe it'll help. But once again, thanks for the heads up on what I'll need to do and all that jazz. I appreciate it!