The ingredients for a productive and profitable ranch are fairly cut and dry. Ranch owners or investors likely understand what makes a good ranch work well. Everything must come together, from healthy herds and productive grazing lands, to dependable water sources and basic best practices to make a ranch tick. It’s easy to forget the need for the right ranch manager .
It’s one important element that can be easily overlooked. A good ranch manager is vital for the success of a ranch operation. Every ranch owner needs a ranch manager who understands the land, the livestock and the myriad tasks that go into making a ranch function as it should.
What should you look for in a ranch manager? Here are some ideas.
Find a ranch manager with experience
Experience may seem like an obvious requirement. But finding an experienced ranch manager, particularly for an absentee owner, can be challenging. How so? Most quality ranch managers are already working.
So, how do you find a ranch manager with experience? Start by talking with your neighbors and other ranch owners and investors. Chances are, within their ranch hierarchies, there’s an experienced ranch hand who might be ready to take the next step.
Of course, you can also advertise for the position. Traditional employment websites abound, and there are some job sites devoted purely to ranch employment. If you go this route, take your time and thoroughly review resumes and references. This is a big decision. A good ranch manager can be the difference between a profitable ranch and an operation that struggles.
Know what traits you’re looking for in a ranch manager
Understand what you’re looking for when you start looking for a ranch manager. If you just need basic operational expertise, you’ll likely have an easier search. But if you have a larger cow-calf operation and need someone with expertise across the board, it might take some time.
For instance, if you need a ranch manager who’s also going to manage the finances of the operation, your search can be challenging. You might honestly be looking for someone with a college degree in business, and experience in the field. Finding someone who can do the books and free a calf from barbed wire won’t be easy.
And, if your ranch includes multiple streams of income, like cattle, fishing and hunting, you’ll need someone with an even more varied resume.
Most importantly, though, put in the time when you interview prospective candidates. Not only are you looking for someone who understands daily operations, you’re also looking for someone with a compatible personality. Certainly, it’s important that your directions are followed. But it’s just as important that you get along with a ranch manager and, in time, can grow to trust them.
Final word
Understand that it may take some time to find the right person. And lean on your friends in the business. Better yet, work with your ranch broker, who is intrinsically connected to the ranching community. Chances are, they know fellow ranch owners who have been through this scenario. Listen to their advice and connect with their network.
In time, you’ll find the right person. When you do, be patient and let them find their way. And when they do, be appreciative. A competitive wage is important to keep good people around you.
With the right ranch manager on board, you’ll also have good ranch hands waiting in the wings to take over if and when the time comes. By being a good employer, you’ll naturally attract the best employees. That will benefit you for years to come.
