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What classes are most helpful on the ranch?

T

Twister Frost

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Joined
Mar 31, 2009
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336
Location
South Dakota
Based on a change my state is making for graduation requirements, I am wondering what levels of math and science you would deem sufficient to meet the "working world" rigors? I am looking for a little more specific than "three years of each," more in the line of Algebra I and II, Geometry, Calc, Chemistry, Anatomy, etc...Feel free to add classes beyond the math/science area!
 
Not too familiar with your schooling system this side of the pond but I don't think a particular level of education in any of the subjects you mention is particularly relevant for a career as a rancher. The biggest thing you need to be successful are business management skills and nothing I've seen in the regular school system will provide you with those skills. Nothing wrong with getting an education in the real world of ranching in my (biased) opinion I left school at 16 and learned most of the little bit I know on the job.
 
I have a BS, never took a single Calc class, don't think I'd ever need it to this day. However, you need to keep doing math to stay sharp. Geometry will help when you're building, Algebra, well it helps you think. You won't use the complex stuff, but the complex stuff makes the other stuff easy.

Do all the Bio and Chem you can. It will make soil science, crop/weed classes, animal nutrition easier when you have the bio and chem out of the way. Don't be complacent with just enough knowledge, push yourself to get everything you can under your belt. This is all assuming your interested in managing crops and animals.

The other key is business classes, the agriculture colleges will have their own business classes, it's all the same stuff except the examples in class use farming stuff.

I wish I had done at least a semester in New Zealand, in my opinion the Kiwis are the best graziers in the world to learn from.
 
Quick clarification and I apologize for not being clearer--I am a teacher to feed the habit of ranching, not a student. My state has changed graduation requirements for all students--they will be requiring that all students take chemistry and Algebra II or not graduate. I am wondering, based on jobs performed on the ranch and off, what levels of math and science do you feel are necessary for the "working world"? Again, I apologize, but I do find the replies very useful for my students to read and ponder.
 
The basic levels of all the sciences--earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics have some everyday applications no matter what a person does in life.

On math, I really think there should be more emphasis on basic accounting and business math. I've used some geometry applications a bit, but I could never really explain the real world applications of algebra and calculus for most people unless they were going into something like engineering. I think the reason most students struggle in algebra is because they can't see the real world application and I remember wondering the same thing. Everyone, no matter what they choose for a career, can use some basic business applications.
 
I would think the business classes, learn that there needs to be a profit.

I think the number one thing ranchers and farmers need to learn is how to use a number 2 pencil. Most could'nt tell you their actual cost of production.
 
The Bud Williams school on how to buy cattle would help most people-as for the more advanced maths I don't really see a need for them. More on the business side would help.
 
geometery is a must. I have never used trig or calc since I took the last course in college. A good business math would be more helpfull the algebra II. Business courses and all type of sciences from anatomy to zoology. I would make sure there is physics, geology, earth science and please do not forget writing skills.
 
Accounting, marketing and business planning is useful. As for maths, I think a good basis in statistics is more important than calculus for most people. Statistics helps to understand science, promotional material (eg: Ag crop trials), political polling, etc.
A good grounding in basic biology/chemistry also helps to understand ecological cycles, chemicals, minerals, reproduction, etc.
Communications is also the other area that I see becoming more important. As operations get bigger and the public becomes less aware of agriculture the need for the ability to represent oneself and advocate for agriculture will continue to grow.
 
The level of math/science for a farmer/rancher is hard to quantify(most people think it is a very simple occupation that requires little education/skill). You need the math of an engineer...the science of a Vet and agronomist...the economics of an accountant and CEO. The short answer is all you can squeeze in of all of them. But if I had to prioritize, I would put the business at the top because no matter how good you are on the production side, if you don't have the business knowledge to make a profit, the other won't matter.

"Skill will help us much more than just education. Education will help us with the tools to learn how to develop our skill."--Bud Williams

Please don't grade my run-on sentences. :wink:
 
RSL said:
Accounting, marketing and business planning is useful. As for maths, I think a good basis in statistics is more important than calculus for most people. Statistics helps to understand science, promotional material (eg: Ag crop trials), political polling, etc.
A good grounding in basic biology/chemistry also helps to understand ecological cycles, chemicals, minerals, reproduction, etc.
Communications is also the other area that I see becoming more important. As operations get bigger and the public becomes less aware of agriculture the need for the ability to represent oneself and advocate for agriculture will continue to grow.
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I have to agree with RSL. A good understandting of statistics is very important along with the sciences. Advanced algebra thru calc have not helped much but the science classes have. If one is going to require something to graducate it would be how to balance a check book, pay bills , comparison shop and everything else it takes to keep a home going.
 
In a neighboring town, at high school level, instead of just offering Ag Mechanics, or wildlife classes. They have all sorts of prevet classes. From bovine, and equine to goats, pigs, and sheep, and pasture management. I think some of those classes would be very good for one planning on stayin on the ranch.
 
Thanks for the replies---wisdom comes from those with experience, so I appreciate the ideas. To explain a bit more, SD has changed our high school educational tracks: Standard, Distinguished, and Advanced. The comparison is roughly no post secondary education, vo-tech training, and 4-yr university degree. By requiring all students to take Algebra II and Chemistry, I see two main problems: the students who struggle as is will now struggle to pass two classes they never would have taken on the Standard level, and for the vo-tech oriented students, this will put a kink in their ability to fit in their four years of shop/vo ag classes. We happen to have an exceptional vo ag program, with a teacher who wanted to expand, because of the changes in our Vo-Tech schools. I am frustrated because of what this does to students who do not plan to attend university. I feel like it is forcing all students to take the university track---and some students just are not cut out for the rigors of these classes. I just thought I could get some down-to-earth input and start writing some letters to DOE, not that it will help since this was a legislative action. Thanks, again.
 
the_jersey_lilly_2000 said:
In a neighboring town, at high school level, instead of just offering Ag Mechanics, or wildlife classes. They have all sorts of prevet classes. From bovine, and equine to goats, pigs, and sheep, and pasture management. I think some of those classes would be very good for one planning on stayin on the ranch.
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I love the pre-vet offerings. Our area is ag oriented, and I could see this class needing two or three sections at our school!!
 
Probably a little off the topic, but I would discourage any math that smells like engineering, as opposed to math that you can understand. If you need an example just look under the hood of a pickup built since 1995 or so...
 
PATB said:
geometery is a must. I have never used trig or calc since I took the last course in college. A good business math would be more helpfull the algebra II. Business courses and all type of sciences from anatomy to zoology. I would make sure there is physics, geology, earth science and please do not forget writing skills.
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Amen! Being able to write in a manner that is sensible, readable, and structurally correct will benefit anyone, no matter what field of study they are involved in. Good writing skills will cover a multitude of sins.
 
Grassfarmer said:
Not too familiar with your schooling system this side of the pond but I don't think a particular level of education in any of the subjects you mention is particularly relevant for a career as a rancher. The biggest thing you need to be successful are business management skills and nothing I've seen in the regular school system will provide you with those skills. Nothing wrong with getting an education in the real world of ranching in my (biased) opinion I left school at 16 and learned most of the little bit I know on the job.
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Ahhhh, now we know.......
 
This kind of goes along with what I refer to as the "College Bubble", this is only going to make it worse. We have pushed kids into getting a college education, now it's almost to the point of another entitlement. The market is flooded with college educated people and it is just a requirement, not something that really sets you ahead. The people who did less college and went the vocational route are often making more money, as I see it, and they have a job. One blog I look at frequently suggested that kids in school now learn a trade first, something to always fall back on, then get the college degree. There are too many kids in college who are just there because that's what you do, they distract those who really want to be there.
 
Ben H said:
This kind of goes along with what I refer to as the "College Bubble", this is only going to make it worse. We have pushed kids into getting a college education, now it's almost to the point of another entitlement. The market is flooded with college educated people and it is just a requirement, not something that really sets you ahead. The people who did less college and went the vocational route are often making more money, as I see it, and they have a job. One blog I look at frequently suggested that kids in school now learn a trade first, something to always fall back on, then get the college degree. There are too many kids in college who are just there because that's what you do, they distract those who really want to be there.
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That could be because their is a greater need for workers than their is for bosses.
 

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