Ranching is a lucrative and rewarding venture but it’s not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of preplanning, dedication, and knowledge to get started. We cannot just wake up one day and decide we are starting a ranch with no prior planning and understanding we are going into. Ranching first requires the love for raising cattle. That is where it all starts- loving and understanding animals. Depending on whether you would be on the farm full-time and you would get a dedicated team with knowledgeable farm manager, will determine the direction to take.
As going into commercial animal husbandry requires a complete shift. If you have a team to manage the farm for you, they must be available from dawn to dusk looking after the animals ensuring they eat, are healthy, and productive. If you are the one to do the management and looking over the whole running of the farm and business, it’s important to know that animals do not come with sick leave, vacation days, or family leaves. They need taking care of day in day out if you want to run a successful ranching business that thrives and meet your goals of starting the ranch.
So….
What You Need to Get Started as a Complete Beginner?
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Study Your Environment
Study your environment first, the environment you are in- climatic conditions, topography, water, soil conditions etc. would determine the breed of cattle you will raise. For example in the Gambia, which is tropical area and have high tsetse fly infestation, the most raised breed is N’Dama Cattle due to it’s resistance to trypanosomiasis, high tolerant to the climatic conditions in the Gambia, and less management requirements (they can survive on traditional grazing) though not advisable for a ranching business.
- Get Access to Land
Ranching requires a land. There’s no ranch without a land. The location of the land matters. It is advisable to have a land with a good soil fertility, this will save cost of food- feeding cattle is not easy fit on finances. The topography as we mentioned briefly above is super essential. The size of the land, access to market, local laws of owning land for ranching, infrastructural needs, environmental sustainability, personal experiences, etc.
- Finances and Financial Planning
Farming in itself is capital intensive. When starting a ranch, you must understand the finances you have at hand to start. After that, identify all your startup cost, do a budget plan of how much to allocate for each item. Especially, if you are on a limited budget, start small and get the must haves like a land, heads of cattle (that can be as small as 5-10), feed and water, a farm manager if you would not be the one doing the managing, few helping hands, a shed, and a house for the cattle to sleep in.
Then, allocate finances for your running cost like veterinary services for the animals and other expenses that would ensure your cattle ranch business runs smoothly. Have a well thought-out financial plan would save you a lot of unnecessary cost and headache both in the long and short run.
- Choosing the Right Stock (Breed)
This would depend on your goal- are you aiming to produce milk or meat. Different breeds have different traits that makes them good meat or milk producers. Choosing your breed to comes down to your environment. Certain breeds do not do well in certain environments- knowing and understanding your environment is crucial.
For example, in the Gambia the most common breed is N’Dama cattle for it’s high tolerant to trypanosomiasis and certain diseases and it’s adaptability to the tropical environment of the Gambia, coupled with it’s easier management than other breeds.
They are dual-purpose animals, valued for both milk and meat production, with average milk yields ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 liters per day. Zebu cattle are also present but make up a much smaller portion of the cattle population, approximately 2%. They are typically used for beef production and draught power.
There are also crossbred cattle, such as Gobras (crosses between N'Dama and Zebu). There is also another goal/reason for raising cattle- draught animals which is less common especially with mechanized agriculture and implication to the environment being very prevalent in a tech driven era.
- Getting Your Land Ready for Cattle Farming
After finalizing on the breed to go with depending on your environment, it’s time to get your land ready before purchasing your stock. Experts estimate that ranchers need 1.8 acres of land per cow to support how much grass they’ll eat daily.
You can divide your total farm acreage by that number to find out how many cattle you can start with before potentially expanding. To determine how many cows you can raise on your ranch, you can use the following formula:
Total Farm Acreage ÷ 1.8 acres per cow = Number of Cows
- For example, if you have 10 acres of land:
- 10 acres ÷ 1.8 acres per cow = 5.56 cows
- Since you can’t have a fraction of a cow, you could realistically start with 5 cows.
The next thing on the list would be creating shelter and fencing. For fencing you can use woods and barb wire if you are do not have the means to fence with concreate. Cows are generally hardy animals that can withstand various weather conditions and temperatures.
They don't require a completely enclosed barn for shelter. Cows should have access to a three-sided shelter that provides shade, roofing, and a dry space during rainy seasons. This type of shelter offers protection from the elements while still allowing for adequate ventilation. The three-sided shelter should have a roof to protect the cows from direct sunlight and rain. It should also have a dry, well-drained floor to keep the cows comfortable, especially during wet weather.
Fencing Requirements
- Fencing should be high enough to prevent cattle from stepping over: The fence height should be sufficient to deter cattle from attempting to jump or step over it. This helps ensure the safety of the cattle and prevents them from escaping the designated grazing area.
- Fencing should be strong enough to withstand high winds: The fence should be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds without collapsing or becoming damaged. This helps maintain the integrity of the fence and keeps the cattle safely contained.
- Fence posts should be set at least two feet deep in concrete: To create a solid foundation for the fence, the fence posts should be securely embedded in concrete at a depth of at least two feet. This helps prevent the posts from shifting or becoming unstable over time.
- Gaps between posts can be filled with barbed wire, fence boards, or panels: Once the fence posts are in place, the gaps between them can be filled with various materials such as barbed wire, wooden fence boards, or metal panels. These materials help create a continuous barrier that effectively contains the cattle.
- Buying Your Stock (Breed)
Now, you are ready to buy your stock and start your ranching business. But, put these into consideration when buying your stock:
- Inspect the Cattle:
- Before making a purchase, thoroughly inspect the animals for signs of good health, such as clear eyes, healthy coats, and overall vitality. Look for any signs of illness or injury that could lead to future costs .
- Buy from Reputable Sources:
- Purchase cattle from trusted breeders or markets. Ensure that the seller provides health records and any necessary documentation. Avoid buying from sellers offering significantly lower prices, as this may indicate underlying issues with the animals .
- Consider Age and Development:
- Younger animals may require more time and investment to develop, but they can be a better long-term investment. Look for animals with good genetic backgrounds and proven lineage if you are considering breeding .
- Establish a Routine:
- Set up a daily routine for feeding, watering, and checking on the health of your cattle. Regular monitoring is crucial for maintaining their well-being and productivity .
- Implement Health Management Practices:
- Work with a veterinarian to establish a health plan, including vaccinations, deworming, and regular health checks. Keeping accurate health records is essential for managing your herd effectively .
- Create a Comfortable Environment:
- Ensure that your cattle have access to adequate shelter, clean water, and nutritious feed. Proper fencing and safe handling facilities are also critical for their safety and management .
- Learn and Adapt:
- Continuously educate yourself about cattle management and animal husbandry practices. Attend workshops, read relevant literature, and connect with other ranchers to share experiences and knowledge .
By considering these factors and following the outlined advice, beginners can set themselves up for a successful start in ranching, ensuring the health and productivity of their cattle while achieving their ranching goals.
At Sare Yaffa Ranch, we specialize in breeding and raising Ndama breed of cattle because they are adaptable to the local environment and they are tolerant to trypanosomiasis, a sickness common in cattle which is caused the tsetsefly. We strive to raise them well by providing them with nutritious feeds and quality clean drinking water. Whether our customers’ goal is to consume the beef, start their own small cattle ranch, or use it as source of farm power for farming purposes, our Ndama breed are of high quality for all needs.
We can help you get started with your cattle ranch, whatever your goal of starting is.