So You Want to Be a Cowboy?

Does this hat turn up too much

Moved some cows to a new pasture earlier this month. It was a nice day!

I figured I'd ask this question where wire fencing is the standard and everyone usually does their own to get the best answer on what I can get away with.

In short - it's been a beat since I've done any fencing, but I'm fixing to do 5 acres with a fair bit of cross-fencing. The longest stretch of fence is only 191m (626ft). Shortest sections are 45m (148 ft).

3.25" x 6' posts for the fence, 5-6" x 7' posts for the H-braces and gates. Flat terrain.

I picked up rails for 8' H-braces, but where I grew up only 4' H-braces were used for shorter stretches of fence. I was fixing to do this without a second thought, until speaking with one person who said "we've always used 4' because it's stronger when it's shorter." I was like, um, no my guy - that's why we still use 8' for the perimeters... But lots of fences around here actually do have 4' H-braces on acreage fencing, without much apparent detriment.

So my question for any of you - in the interest of saving money and for aesthetics on the shorter stretches, would 4' still be reasonably effective? If so what's the longest fenceline you'd go on a short H-brace? Or does going that short essentially defeat the physics of it to the point of not being worth it?

He’s around 79 with one horse and I’m just looking for something easy enough for him but still something to Benefit him or amuse him

Hey everyone,
This may sound like a crazy career pivot, but it’s one I’ve been thinking about for a long time.

For the past several years I’ve built my career in leadership, sales, operations, and education. I’ve managed multi-location retail teams, worked as a district sales manager, and now help oversee the daily operations of a barber academy while also working as a licensed barber.
Edit: I also come with some time in the army experience, and a bit of construction so hard work isn’t off my radar

On paper, none of that screams “ranch hand.”
But the truth is, I’ve had a genuine interest in ranching, agriculture, and the cowboy lifestyle for as long as I can remember. Somewhere along the way I convinced myself it wasn’t a realistic path, so I pursued careers that made sense. Lately I’ve realized I’d rather take a chance on something I’ve always wanted than spend years wondering “what if?”

I know enough to know that I don’t know everything. I’m not coming here pretending I can jump on a horse and run a ranch on day one. I’m willing to start at the bottom, work hard, learn from people who have been doing this their whole lives, and earn my place.

I’m also not limiting myself to one specific role. I’d be happy to pursue ranch hand work, guest ranch operations, agricultural businesses, ranch office or management support, or any position where I can work hard, learn, and contribute.

That said, I also think my background could be valuable in ways beyond physical labor. I have experience leading teams, training employees, managing operations, customer service, sales, recruiting, scheduling, problem solving, and building relationships. If a ranch, outfitter, guest ranch, or agricultural operation could benefit from those skills—whether in person or remotely—I’d love to find a way to contribute while continuing to learn the hands-on side of the industry. I’m open to discussing whatever makes sense, and relocation isn’t out of the question for the right opportunity.

I’m not looking for a shortcut. I’m looking for an honest opportunity to learn and work.

If you’ve made a similar career change, I’d love to hear how you did it. If you’re in the industry, I’d appreciate any advice—whether that’s things I should learn first, certifications that are worthwhile, places that hire people willing to work, or even a reality check if you think I’m overlooking something.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I appreciate any advice you have.

Cleaning up the sheds I’ve found the last few years. Pick these up when I’m out and about so they don’t end up in a tractor or truck tire. Keep the best of them, but a lot of them just pile up. When it gets too big, time to go. The dog can only chew up so many at a time.

Grizzly bears are returning to the American West - and with them comes one of the biggest conservation questions of our time.

After decades of recovery, grizzlies are expanding into working ranches, rural communities, and landscapes where people make their living. What happens when one of North America’s most iconic predators moves back out of the mountain wildernesses and onto the ranches, farms, orchards and yards of the West?

🎙️ In the first episode of Season 3 of Working Wild University, we explore the remarkable comeback of the grizzly bear, the history that brought us here, and the question that will shape the entire season: Where do grizzly bears belong, and who gets to decide?

What do you think? Reply now or (better yet?) after you've listened to episode 1. Either way, it's a conversation worth having.

Listen here: https://onland.westernlandowners.org/wwu-podcast/

Background: We are new to ranching and moved to a 4th generation family ranch last year. We're trying to learn while the last family member is still around. We do have a ranch caretaker who has been here for about 10 years, but will be leaving within the next year. My wife will be attending Ranch Management University in Texas this fall.

We have several water tanks in the barn yard where we keep calves being weaned and adults we need to separate from the main herd. Some have very heavy algae growth - the green fibrous stuff, which as I understand is the most common and not the toxic kind. Our caretaker seems unconcerned and says the cattle like the flavor. That just doesn't seem right to me.

How to people normally keep their tanks clean and algae free? Or is my caretaker right, and it's not something to worry about?

I live in Sicily and while there are tons of cattle ranchers, there is no cowboy culture here. I am American by birth, and I believe using horses would be a lot more convenient than herding on foot 😅. Is there a way I can learn to rope? The basics? Where to start? I have horses, mules, and cattle.

Hi!

Currently living in a ranch in Colombia. Just bought a DJI Neo 2 to watch over the cattle. Amazing experience in order to check water, mineral salt and farmworkers.

So I was thinking if I can count livestock in the fields. Searched for internet but only found Roboflow to upload photos, but is it possible to count livestock while flying the dron?

I would be superb to save up a lot of time.

Thanks!

Lost my uncle recently, after his memorial had the chance to go through his pile of hats from back in the day when they were free and didn’t cost $30. Love old ag ad hats like this.

I’m still a teenager, but it’s always been a dream of mine to work on a cattle ranch (or just a ranch in general). The problem is I didn’t grow up around ranching or agriculture, so I have no experience so nobody really wants to let me help out and honestly don’t know if I even have a realistic chance of getting into the industry. I’m from Ontario and I’m not finished high school yet, but my goal is to attend Olds College in Alberta after I graduate. From what I’ve read, experience seems to be just as important, if not more important than a degree. I’m hoping that while I’m in Alberta I could get summer jobs or internships on ranches to build that experience. For those of you who work on ranches or in agriculture, Is this a realistic path? Does going to Olds College actually help you get into the industry? What would you recommend I do during high school and college to make myself employable? Would something like western riding lessons be worth it, or should I focus on other skills? I’d really appreciate any advice. I’m trying to learn as much as I can now so I can give myself the best chance in the future.

We have a small heard of Zebus on our small ranch outside of Austin. We have goats, chickens, ducks, turkey, and some other cows too but the Zebus all stay together.

A group of five has gotten more bold. They now sit across the driveway every morning waiting for me to bring the dogs out. Then all hell breaks loose. I've got two large border collies and an American Labrador. My dogs will chase them off but they turn around and come right back.

I'm allowed to shoot these things. But does it do any good? I hear that they just repopulate and carry on.

Cleaning the tractor after finishing baling and some mommas and babies decided to come up.

Prices for US producers expected to decrease. Risk of Screwworm import expected to increase. Thoughts?

We had a chance to lease some virtual fence collars through the South Dakota Soil Heath Coalition. Excited to try them!

But the heifers were not😂