How Do I Become a Rancher? - Part 2 - What Kind of Rancher?

When you choose to become a rancher, you need to start planning and one of the first steps is to plan what on what kinds of animals you plan to raise on your ranch. Mike looks at how to know what kind of animals you can support and how much of a ranch you will need in part 2 of How Do I Become a Rancher?
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Join us on our journey as we leave a life in corporate america to come back to Wyoming and help on the family ranch.
Our Wyoming Life features our Wyoming ranch and our ranch family. Giving you a look into the workings of ranching from raising cattle to raising and harvesting crops. Erin will join you weekly out of the garden, showing you how she helps provide for our family through growing produce and selling at local farmers markets, and Mike will take you along as he tends to the animals and land of ranch, from calving to fencing to planting and harvesting hay.

[@SandraLThomas64]

We do need more ranchers, a lot of info is going to be lost unless more youngsters start ranching

[@rickdees251]

You haven't read many books so far have you? I'm not talking novels either.

[@SandraLThomas64]

rick dees if you cant say something nice don’t say anything at all

[@micahgoode3958]

@@SandraLThomas64 say that again but slowly.

[@danny5378]

I'm 19 years old and my dream is to become a rancher !!

[@dixieishere3699]

@@danny5378 im 15 and thats my dream too

[@gregchambers5770]

Always loved the west but Iam 70 now and to old to start a new career but love watching and seeing things that I never thought about ranching .

[@rickdees251]

Cities are ranches where people are raised and managed to be exploited and used like chickens are for their eggs and meat or cattle for steak just in a different way. People aren't exploited for food but their labor. The trick is to get them to trade off as much labor for as little in return for as little as possible.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Great info Mike...around here we normally do 1 cow per acre of pastureland

[@faxRfax]

A great video to watch while having coffee and making Sunday breakfast..

[@OurWyomingLife]

Thank you. Enjoy your breakfast -Mike

[@skylerbaker1161]

Please don’t stop making this series! I’ve wanted something like this from you guys for so long! 🌻

[@adampringle3943]

Hey Mike, Could you please do a video on becoming a ranch hand? How to find a ranch to work on? Job responsiblities, pay, questions to ask to learn more, etc. Love your channel!

[@DaebakMonkey]

Not sure if you are looking into becoming a hand or are just giving a video idea but someone might see this so here goes. A website called RanchWork (www.ranchwork.com/) is a great place to start looking for jobs as is your local feed store.

[@williamj.stilianessis1851]

@@DaebakMonkey Good advice. Tractor Supply will allow flyers. Then there is craigslist. Be careful but there are opportunities. Basically, find a farm nearby and ask. They might say no, but might also know someone who is looking.

[@nebraskafarmer9015]

Most farms and ranches will teach someone the ropes, but you have to have a good head on your shoulders. If you can't think your way out of a paper bag then you'd better just stay in a job where you are told exactly what to do and how to do it.

[@adampringle3943]

Thanks y'all for the great suggestions, I appreciate it.

[@frankmetcalf9595]

The old saying may apply:. Want to make a million farming? Start out with two million!

[@johnhugon8305]

Except for me…it’s all gone….

[@johnhugon8305]

@Auto blipper I’ll try to make my explanation short so I won’t bore you….It’s not all gone; just not making the money I think my operation should be making. I BOUGHT (Nothing inherited or given to me) into a Farm operation I own now through a partnership and as the partnership dissolved throughout the year’s things have come to this; my spread sheet equals 2 + 2 = 3…maybe because of tariffs threats, corporate takeovers, weather, repayment of loans and/or whatever. The past recent years my profit margin has dropped to less than .45 of 1% with a two person organization. This is a grain/cattle operation. If you’ve ever been associated with a Farm operation, you live with it… and WORK VERY HARD 24/7… After years of doing this …I’m done…. The last two years I have been negotiating with a corporation to rent my operation from me for revenue I haven’t seen in ten years. How can they make a profit and I can’t…maybe their accountant can’t read a spread sheet or my 2600 acres will fit in their 15000 acres more proficiently. If it works out, next year at this time I will be setting in a warm coffee shop; early morning sipping coffee talking about the old (bad) days. Who will be listing to me (?) probably no one; but I’ll be setting in a warm coffee shop not worried about how to pay my debts….

[@nebraskafarmer9015]

@@johnhugon8305 Many of those big operations were able to pay off ground and between their paid for ground and their rented ground, they were able to afford more ground. Once you get land paid for your cost of production is a lot lower.

[@mitchellloewen5509]

@@johnhugon8305 hows the coffee? It’s been about a year

[@johnhugon8305]

@@mitchellloewen5509 I’m drinking way too much of it!! Thanks for asking!

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Hi, Mike I love your videos ,I love your animals and farm. You are a rancher , you know how to get everything together with the animals and all. You have a nice garden. I see you raise all kind of farm animals and you take care of them. From young to older . You feed them Healthy food. Mike you are a Great Rancher.

[@user-iu6si1if1y]

These youtube clips are perfect thanks for sharing them, My name is Jacob McConnell and i have lived on a farm and ranch my whole life. My dream is to become a farmer and rancher

[@stonecoldsteveautism8841]

Thanks to you and your channel I actually went and bought 6 acres out in east Texas about 2 months ago & it was the best decision I’ve ever made no more traffic 😎 plus I got 3 dogs 3 ducks and a pig for now! Thank you from the bottom of my heart brother!

[@Editnamehere]

Is it expensive getting the land and everything set up from dwelling to water well etc?

[@wykeishacraft6820]

What A Happy Day , looking at the Wyoming Life

[@thecowboypreacher6568]

this series was very helpful, for a while i figured the only people who ranched were born into it. i really want to learn and am hoping to apprentice on an operation this spring. i know the learning curve is intense but honestly i cant imagine doing anything else

[@MD-ee7cr]

Been a farm hand for going on 7 years. Worked on some in my childhood and loved it. Met a girl who introduced me to a farm. Who has more on his hands than anyone I’ve ever met. We split up but the farmer and i have still worked together and are great friends! This is my goal. I get made fun of for working a job just to one day worker longer and harder. But that’s fine. I’ll be doing what i love! Thank you for the great videos!

[@ruditopoderoso]

Thanks Mike for these great series of videos, I´m really enjoying them! I´m from northern Mexico (Border with Texas) and as mechanical engineer tired of working for large companies in a small cubicle, your videos show me a way of life that I keep desiring more and more.

[@Amaranthian450]

Haha. I had a dream last night that mike phoned me and asked if he could use my last comment on the egg peeling video in his next video. Lol I was like ya absolutely, do whatever you need to do.

[@stevemccoy8138]

Hi Mike, It's very good of you to try to help someone learn more about Ranching. Thanks.

[@nachogalvezantunez1915]

Thank you very much Mike! This is great information so do is the way You drive the subject! Greetings from Michoacán Mexico rangeland!

[@johntoothman4888]

I'd be a rancher that loved every day of my life! I own 4 horses and would much rather be with them than at work. And yes, I own a John Deere!!

[@lauradompe5830]

Well spoken. Another great video.

[@loriehabel1552]

Knowledge is power. Keep the great vids rolling👍

[@jackgreene4868]

To be honest rancher sounds a hell of a lot cooler than farmer … thanks for the info and video 🙏

[@WaterburnerActual]

This is what many have wanted to learn, but didnt know it till the series started. Here's something a little humorous. I saw that the vid had been posted, and I immediately began watching. Before it got started, I noticed there were 26 Likes, 4mins into a 10:17 video. Yes, after watching the vid, I hit the 👍. Tks and Lookin Forward To Seein More, Our Wyoming Life Videos, Down the Road..

[@stevehairston9940]

The first thing I do is hit the Like button, then Save in my OWL family category of favorites. The I watch the video 😁. Why, because I know it's going to be good and I'm going to learn something new.

[@WaterburnerActual]

@@stevehairston9940 Yep... Agree, and as I pointed out too, Mike is Professor Mike a lot of times, and that's a good thing!! Take care.

[@meadking4694]

It’s funny, I grew on a suburban ranch home and since I’m older, I’m reverting back to that more. Only difference is I want a ranch, ranch. That fine living.

[@garycollier385]

Thanks mike great information to think about and well put together look forward to seeing the rest of this series 👍

[@RodderFiles]

Your the Bob Ross slash Mr Rogers of Ranchers Brotha Do what you you do with pride sharing your wisdom with newbies .

[@getagaylin1748]

Thank you so much for so many things. Thank you for working so hard to provide food for people, and for working extra hard to produce these videos which are both educational and entertaining. KZbin videos have been a big source of information as I worked toward my lifelong goal. I have finally achieved my dream of hobby farming in western Montana raising goats, pigs and chickens on three acres. (A special thank you for not using the term “ homesteading”, that really bugs me). Please keep doing what you are doing and ignore the negative comments.

[@elmerguzman2210]

happy Sunday 🐄🐄🐄

[@messianichebrewshawnkawcak1550]

I would think the financial side is a major concern, is it sustainable in tough times? The country mindset is important to learn, and having a healthy work ethic is a must.

[@Onlinesully]

Messianic Hebrew Shawn Kawcak Yes and yes

[@Ellenllee]

Another fantastic learning tool...thank you so much.

[@shannandumais32]

Just starting to research all of things to get started, or to get started learning how to get started. Haha. Researching… taking notes. I am absolutely enjoying your videos. Thank you for your time and knowledge. Looking forward to the next one.

[@corderor6ify]

Thank you mike for posting these videos I have been following you for years. I’ve bought land and bought it with the intention to start a farm.

[@tonym.9876]

I was blessed to have a set of foster parents that owned and operated a small farm where I learned my work ethic. After I was discharged from the Navy I travelled the country and while in Cheyenne I answered an ad for a ranch hand...awesome job. The owners wanted to keep me but I wanted to move on. I often wonder how my life would've gone had I stayed.

[@randallmcgrath9345]

Goddamnit this is simply interesting info. For the future rancher or simply the layperson. Good job.

[@AutoCrete]

This is a great video! I found out that I was a rancher, we always called it mixed farming. LOL

[@marcofuentes9175]

Amazing video mike happy Sunday

[@bulletstop100]

I can't wait till we start.. Just doing it for ourselves..

[@susanchamblee2549]

This is going to be a great series Mike...!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@kylecrowder4571]

See these are things I dont find out as much helping my dad on his friends ranches.

[@slamboy66]

Now I want to watch "City Slickers" .

[@trumanway3763]

These video are look so professional, kudos!

[@yellowdoorrenovation1280]

Great content great energy thank you for your time .

[@marknasatka1891]

This is going to be a great series.

[@apallok54]

I'm 19 and in college for teaching. I live on a small 10 acre farm with a few horses. I know I want to be a full time farmer. Teaching will give me summer's and time to work. I just have to save well and hope the land is out there to buy.

[@johnpierce4778]

Most big time farmers/ranchers inherit their land

[@apallok54]

@@johnpierce4778 so. Lands cheap out west. You just gotta save big and take chances

[@apallok54]

Lands cheaper in different parts of the country too

[@timothyfludd7218]

My plan is to start saving money now at 14 and join the marines every single time I get payed save most of the money do that for 8 or 4 years and put all that’s into my ranch

[@chuckyq007]

Loved watching and learning! Thank you!

[@derekfitzpatrick4249]

I have been with when u were under 30'000 subs u channel is educational for starter like myself. Thanks!

[@jamieadisneyfan8317]

I was born to a farmer. But now that I'm 61 years old, I'm thinking about selling out. We no longer raise chickens and pigs. Thinking about selling out the cows and calves. And part of the land. Tough decisions to be made. I totally enjoyed the work growing up. I've even had unusual pets. Alligator once when I was young. As well as a monkey. Then the usual chickens, ducks, geese, horse, donkey, dogs, cats to name a few lived here. We have goats now too. They belong to my son. My dad also had a slaughter house in the 50's and 60's. Good luck to all the people that want to get into farming.

[@LivingInFloridaPanhandle]

Keep up the good work Mike!

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again MIKE! This will be another important and informative series! Good job Mike. Wishing you Erin the kiddos and Grandma all a very Merry Christmas and God's blessings in the New Year! Thx as always...

[@henry7765]

I want to have a Bunny Ranch 🥳

[@rodneywroten2994]

You are a good man Mike. Awesome video Sir

[@snapstring3134]

This is gonna be a great series . 👍

[@Bridgton1]

This is going to be something more than you anticipated...

[@maximus429]

with a lot of hard work

[@MrMantraMan]

NRCS has the Web Soil Survey which is quite handy. If you find an interesting place on some realty site you can then go the WSS outline it using the magic of your computer and thru one of the options it will give you yield in lbs of your grass. I used it to figure out what my little place would produce in an average year, but if you want to know the stocking rate as is known for your area still contact the extension office, they are usually helpful.

[@michellewordhollis2593]

Very well done video! Good quality and good information! Thank you!!

[@ariaman-]

Very inspiring

[@travisperlman8944]

2nd episode in, amazing.

[@frankmetcalf9595]

Well done!

[@ez1913]

Awesome edit, Mike. Merry Christmas OWL family.

[@foxcub2yo108]

“Unless you just fall into it” 😉

[@jaystowater6746]

Mike, great job of going about this topic! I've wanted to be a rancher ever since I was a little kid and slowly but surely I'm on my way to becoming one. I've worked not only for my family, but for several cow/calf operations, feedlots, stockers, and other beef industry related jobs. I've slowly been building a purebred Simmental and purebred Angus cowherd with the help of a couple other ranchers that they themselves started similarly. I also have been obtaining a college education and making connections with industry professionals and learning from them. There are some great extension resources out there as well as great magazines such as Beef Magazine, Drover's Journal, Angus Journal from the American Angus Association, and various other breed association publications. These magazines are full of information on ranch management, animal health, nutrition,and cattle breeding and genetics information. If your interested in being a cattle rancher at all, check them out!

[@alwaysinblue]

Was that no. 2 cow in the opening scene? If I get back to country living, I will have a cow like her. I like the "in your face" ones. LOL Another great, very professionally done video. Thank you.

[@SharpCats371]

Happy Advent Merry Christmas

[@OurWyomingLife]

Merry Christmas !!

[@troyblanchard3037]

Mike thank you for your videos I'm thinking about getting in to ranching and would like to get to know a little bit more

[@luciogallardo4141]

Thanks so much for another Great Video ( awesome info ) keep up the good work Sr.

[@jonmccauley6490]

Great series!

[@TheSnakeman3]

Love this Series. Thanks

[@onealfarms9967]

Words of wisdom great video

[@WPRJersey]

Great video Mike. Should call the Playlist OWL University, and label the videos as lessons instead of parts.

[@passingthru69]

I like this series you are doing. Who is it that has the Buffalo ranch south of town on 59. Seems they have been around for ever Thanks

[@davidmcguire8093]

Great video. Thank you.

[@LetsTalkGoats]

Great video

[@russsherwood5978]

no one said anythin was ever gonna be easy or give ta ya so one should expect ta werk there backsides off,, ai,m now the second generation removed from the farm,tryin ta start over is hard but bein stubbern helps, thank ya fer the video

[@regularfather4708]

Chicken ranch?! I'm there!

[@smoke7236]

Hey Mike. Great video and well presented. I have one question. Do you count the wildlife that graze the pastures in the spring and summer? I was taught that they should be counted back in the '70 and '80.

[@OurWyomingLife]

Of course they eat as well and should be included when figuring stocking rates. Thanks -Mike

[@smoke7236]

Thanks mike. You are doing a great job educating folks about ranching and the life. I miss it greatly. I was bred born and raised ranching here in Texas.

[@jermychalsmith7969]

good

[@shalyndadeane7015]

We are native American and want to start a bison ranch and homestead. We will be doing horses to plow with we want to be as self sufficient as possible. I home school as well so it should be interesting. We are trying to get a VA loan

[@rshoemaker7368]

Do you and two ever have second thoughts about taking over the ranch?

[@Onlinesully]

just a thought You could incite your subscribers to send you five or ten minute clip of them describing their farm and maybe some clips too etc

[@stevenkietzke5582]

Just got 12 acres as a start. In the spring going to fence. Can you also do one on types of fencing Thank you

[@apallok54]

That's awesome. Are you gonna have a few horses? Or a few cows?

[@Andy_805s]

God bless you and your family this winter season. Great job on the video. This series is very interesting and informative. So how often do people offer to work for free at your place?

[@clairemiller1420]

I worked on my dad’s farm it was funny when some of our city cousins oh that looks like fun we said come on help I was bales some body kept yelling hay hay I thought yep that’s whAt I’m doing one of my cousins had fallen off the hay wagon

[@wranther]

Hey Mike! Where is your shoveling video from the overnight snow? lol -Bob...

[@swamprat69er]

How to become a rancher? Fill your mouth with marbles, every time you take a step, outside preferably, spit a marble out. When you have lost all your marbles, then you are ready to become a rancher.

[@markjerrel5439]

Lol that's the truest thing I ever heard

[@AlexAlex-iw7zq]

Mike how are you I really like your show is very knowledgeable if I want to be become how much land I need it

[@rebekkabrixjensen3916]

Good video. Keep it up 😁

[@tonychantun]

Hi Mike as promised a couple of years ago, we are here in Denver from South America on our way to Wyoming, any chance to pay you a visit?

[@belalangnet]

nice

[@ronfontenot4534]

Bravo!!

[@danielc5205]

I personally never liked working around livestock, I'll stick with farming.

[@douglasmonroylaca5727]

I’m thinking on buying 167 acres in Utah been wanting for a long time on buy a ranch. What do you think on a dairy ranch.? Thank you for the information.

[@gordmerrick7336]

Interesting indeed but with respect Mike and Erin it seems Gilbert was a subsistence rancher who passed and left it all together with land, livestock machinery debt free to Erin's Mom and in time to you two. Presumably Erin' has no siblings that simplifies her Mom's passing assets, however in time you have three children and so you and Erin's estate planning is not so simple when that time comes From your commentary, you quickly noticed that most neighborhood ranchers had a necessary side gig of some sort and so that meant getting a part time job in town or expand such as you have into other livestock, gardening and You tube. My financial services business over the years involved building an investment portfolio outside of the family business or farm and succession planning. Usually by the time our services were engaged, we found the only asset was the family business or farm and a family feud was about to erupt. This was because Mom and Dad's wills stated assets were to be distributed outright to each other and at the death of the last surviving spouse, then equally to the children..[children have no legal claim on assets] However this is where the squabbles start since perhaps an unwanted equal partnership has been created. You may end up like Gilbert, all assets are in land, little cash flow. Only now with three equal children succession planning is a lot different,

[@amihaley5977]

I'd like to have my own small ranch for chickens

[@colelangton4596]

Mine is a cattle ranch

[@joanneganon7157]

Thanks for sharing! JO JO IN VT 💕🎄☃😊

[@shar159]

How to become a rancher? #1 Go help out a sick family member or friend, never leave. #2 Inherit ranch. #3 buy land, add animals, get your head examined. I love ranching. There is nothing like it or the comrauderie of my local ranchers. Wouldn't have chosen to do it without falling into it accidentally.

[@Gageleavitt25]

I became alpaca ranch owner in 2 years

[@rickielong992]

When are you thinking about selling calves.

[@roadtoad7704]

With all you have going on you must have half of Campbell County on payroll.