advice on finding ranch work?

[givemyramgardstbroadsheep]

hoping this is the right section to post in, new here
i'm a teenager, and recently moved from the texas hill country to a city in the upper parts of the south. i've heard people talk about getting their start ranching as a teenager, helping out on a farm, just gathering experience / getting something like horse riding lessons in exchange for the help. i've done a good bit of research on my own on livestock (mostly sheep really) but don't think anything beats hands on work, and waiting for the start of gardening season to come + trying to get chickens set up here has me restless. i'm completely unsure about how to go about finding work of that sort, especially for someone my age.
any advice? did anybody here have an arrangement like that growing up? is it a business of having to know somebody?
thank you for your time

 

[webfoot]

Well you are a long ways from people on here. But more information about yourself would be helpful. Teenager? Age? Are you living on your own? Still in school? Are you able and willing to move?

 

[givemyramgardstbroadsheep]

Teeanger, 15 (legal age for teenagers to be working here if that matters) and looking to get a license as soon as i can. Living with family, homeschooled so my hours are flexible as long as I get my work done. Not able to move but my city is bordered almost completely by farmland / ranches.
had no clue this was a forum related to a specific location haha, judging from your profile your from oregon? have heard its lovely up there :-)

 

[Nicky]

What city are you in? Maybe see if there is an extension office there and talk to them.

 

[Puzzled]

Or even a veterinary office that deals with large animals, might be able to direct you to a local rancher.

If there are ranches all around you, there are probably some feed stores in the area, they might have
a bulletin board where you could post an ad.

 

[Older Whiskey]

hoping this is the right section to post in, new here
i'm a teenager, and recently moved from the texas hill country to a city in the upper parts of the south. i've heard people talk about getting their start ranching as a teenager, helping out on a farm, just gathering experience / getting something like horse riding lessons in exchange for the help. i've done a good bit of research on my own on livestock (mostly sheep really) but don't think anything beats hands on work, and waiting for the start of gardening season to come + trying to get chickens set up here has me restless. i'm completely unsure about how to go about finding work of that sort, especially for someone my age.
any advice? did anybody here have an arrangement like that growing up? is it a business of having to know somebody?
thank you for your time

I could help if you were still in Hill Country. I have an old cousin, my age, there that still runs 500 head of sheep. She always can use help. I don't know anything about the south, other than if you hear banjos dueling, run for your life.

Seriously, get your drivers license and buy an old pickup, get a basic toolbox together, tools like a shovel, axe, etc., and also fencing pliers. Basic firefighting tools and a bit of knowledge about firefighting is a must. Get a bedroll and basic survival gear, then get out and talk to folks on ranches. All it takes is one job where you trade labor for food and experience, and then you won't have any trouble getting work. It may not pay much, but it is an affordable education with no loans to pay back.

Always go to ranches ready to work on the spot. No excuses about starting at a later date.

Another thing is check to see if your local high school has an FFA chapter. You can still join even if you are homeschooled.

 

[Faster horses]

I could help if you were still in Hill Country. I have an old cousin, my age, there that still runs 500 head of sheep. She always can use help. I don't know anything about the south, other than if you hear banjos dueling, run for your life.

Seriously, get your drivers license and buy an old pickup, get a basic toolbox together, tools like a shovel, axe, etc., and also fencing pliers. Basic firefighting tools and a bit of knowledge about firefighting is a must. Get a bedroll and basic survival gear, then get out and talk to folks on ranches. All it takes is one job where you trade labor for food and experience, and then you won't have any trouble getting work. It may not pay much, but it is an affordable education with no loans to pay back.

Always go to ranches ready to work on the spot. No excuses about starting at a later date.

Another thing is check to see if your local high school has an FFA chapter. You can still join even if you are homeschooled.

Excellent advice, Older Whiskey!