Although agricultural professions might seem like a simple trade to fall into, you should know that they require just as much training and education as some college graduate professions worldwide. The reason behind this is all the technical knowledge, science, and experience one needs to become a ranch hand.
Education To Start
You’ll need a primary education if you want to start a position as a cowpoke or ranch hand. You may be able to get an apprenticeship with someone on a private farm if you have a GED. Still, you’ll at least need a primary education so that a potential mentor or employer can be confident that you can take on the responsibilities that come with working on a ranch.
Experience Is a Must
Working on a ranch is just part of what it takes to get yourself established in the profession. You’ll want to get to know the farmers and ranchers of your area well so that you can potentially gain employment under one of them.
You might receive training while you’re in school earning your diploma or while you’re in college. Either way, you must have experience before becoming a full-time ranch hand. This way, you’ll know the fundamentals, from the favorite boots of ranchers and farmers to how to care for the ranch properly to keep things in order daily.
Completing the Basics
Once you’ve established yourself with the farming community and graduated from high school, you’ll need to consider furthering your education by taking college-level agricultural science classes. These classes increase your knowledge and professionalism in the trade. After you have completed these classes and gained no less than an associate’s degree, you’ll be home free with the ranching community.
However, you can take it as far as you like. If you want to further your education to a bachelor’s degree in the field, then you’ll be better off and may even have a ranch of your own to operate one day.
We have listed everything it takes to become a ranch hand, including the basic principles generally accepted in the farming and ranching communities. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be ranching before you know it.
Wes White represents the collective — yet individual — voice of the Western Whitetail editorial staff.
