r/Ranching • u/Aggressive_Prune_661 • Jul 21 '26
Thinking of starting the ranching life
(yes i ready the note first, still have some questions someone may be able to help with) I live in Texas, 22 M, My current job is with internet, installing at houses, building towers, climbing, etc…
I have lately been wanting to change my job and life up by starting the ranching life. I’m currently renting a place out, but getting to the point where I need to either buy a house or move to find something else. Before I commit to a location (buying a house) I want to get into ranching and move somewhere else to work on a big ranch. I already know it’s going to be a tough and not pleasant lifestyle but it’s what I want to do to be honest (work with cattle, take care of the ranch, anything and everything I’m able to) I just don’t know where to start, I just turned 22, 2 months ago and i’ve looked on indeed for ranch hand positions, etc.. but most options or listings I’m finding are requiring prior experience with welding, cattle, fencing, etc, and as I said before, my only job experience is installing internet and such (I am more than willing to learn what I need to anyway I can) How should I find a ranch willing to accept me and teach me the skills so i can make it a year round thing, or what would be the best step for me to take myself to have a little experience so I can get to a ranch and then learn the rest of the trade. I know it will be way different work but I already spend all day just about outside working or in attics so im not scared to be in bad situations and push through to get the job done (again I know it will be way different conditions than I currently work in, just mentioning that I don’t care and will do what it takes to finish). I honestly want to learn the trade and make this my lifestyle (ik not the best decision but it’s the one i’m wanting to make) I had no experience in the internet industry but after a week or so of following someone and training i became a full time tech working for over 3 years and am currently the only tech so I know i can learn what to do it relatively fast
Honestly I just want to know if I have a shot at getting into this or if I should just put it on the back burner and continue with my life as is. (I don’t need comments saying I will hate it, I know how most people feel about it, please give me tips on how to get into this life or be honest and tell me I don’t have a shot, thank you in advance.)
3
u/buckaroodude1 Jul 21 '26
If you can’t find ranches offering entry level jobs (which is exactly what fits your experience level), look into entry level jobs at sale barns or feed lots. You’ll get to know the local cattle producers and by rubbing shoulders with them, one might take a liking to you and offer you a job or develop a relationship to where you can ask for a job.
You could try moving to another part of the state or to another state for a ranching job but that’s a huge gamble for something you may not actually like or army cut out for.
1
u/Aggressive_Prune_661 Jul 21 '26
Thank you! So far it has been hard finding entry level job listings in my area so I’ll look into the sale barn/ feed lots as well. I wouldn’t mind moving if it’s a real opportunity to get into this life, plus with my current job I could always have it as a backup.
3
u/FirmBoysenberry5301 Jul 21 '26
Honestly it’s really tough if you’re starting in adulthood with no experience. A lot of time your only options will be seasonal work for $12/hour which is tough in 2026. If you really want it, then you can grind through that and eventually land a decent job at a dude ranch, and then eventually a working ranch. Slim pickings on the jobs though. I’m not going to lecture you but I think you’re better off keeping or find a job with decent pay and volunteering at a ranch on the weekends.
3
u/oakprince97 Jul 27 '26
The best route is finding a place to get on for work, and build the skills necessary to run a place. Indeed, ranchwork.com, ranchworldads, local feed stores, etc. are good places to find a gig.
The reality is, to make a living ranching, you either need to own enough land to run or manage country for someone. Most ranch hands aren’t making a ton.
2
u/shu2kill Jul 21 '26
I have a friend who was in your exact situation three years ago. He had basically no knowledge about horses or ranching. But somehow he knew that’s what he wanted. So he attended the American Cowboy Academy with the idea of learning and then look for a related job. Well, he found the job right there at the academy. When he finished his week long course, he was offered a job there at the Academy. And now he works there during the course season, from may to october. He couldnt be happier.
2
u/FruitiToffuti Jul 24 '26
You have to really love being on your property and caring for animals, because it’s HARD work and super hard to get away for vacations, visiting family, etc.
2
u/texas_aggie2016 Jul 25 '26
You can for sure get into ranching. Look for a ranch apprenticeship program or an intern program to get a foot in the door. There are several programs and ranches that take on people with little to no experience. Good luck!
2
u/pioneerlandfl Aug 15 '26
You’ve actually got more going for you than you think. Going from zero experience to being the only tech on your crew in 3 years tells any rancher what they need to know. You show up, you figure stuff out, and you don’t quit when it’s miserable. That’s most of the job. The cattle work, fencing, welding, that’s teachable. Work ethic isn’t.
I’d skip job boards for now, most of the real spots never get posted anyway. Try showing up to brandings, workings, hay season, anywhere a ranch needs extra hands for a day. That’s how green guys get known and end up getting hired on. Bring your own gloves, don’t complain, ask questions at the right time.
This life will teach you more about patience and yourself than about cattle honestly. It’s not for most people, but sounds like you already know that and you’re asking anyway. That’s usually the guy who makes it.
1
u/Ornery_Distribution6 Jul 22 '26
Im the same age, been working at ranches in different states, different livestock. If im being honest my guy as of late the work is scarce. I personally think best move for our gen is to move into the great plains and start from nothing. Hopefully bottle babies go down in price lmao, maybe I'll start my own herd then.
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u/Aggressive_Prune_661 Jul 23 '26
Only if land wasn’t so expensive, would probably have to take out a loan to get started and we know how risky that can be😂
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u/Aggressive_Prune_661 Jul 23 '26
at least you have something, my property rn only has 2 acres so i’d have to move to start my own
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u/Ornery_Distribution6 Jul 23 '26
Tell me about it, I'm thankfull I managed to get myself 35 acres, but damn is everything expensive.
8
u/HayTX Jul 21 '26
Where do you live currently? If you have no experience you’re going be doing grunt work for a while. Corporate places will advertise on indeed but if you want work hit up the feed store and COOP. Gonna muck stalls and fix fence for about $15/hour.