Comprehensive Ranch Management Plan

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Building on a Range Rescue, LLC Ranch Inventory and Land Assessment, a Range Rescue, LLC Comprehensive Ranch Management Plan combines the input from accredited Rangeland Conservationists, Wildlife Biologists, Archaeologists, Land Professionals, Ranch Management Professionals, Wildland Fire Specialists, and Mechanics to create a comprehensive document or strategy designed to guide the individual ranching operations, and provide a path to sustainability, and profitability of the ranch. It outlines goals, resources, practices, and timelines to manage land, livestock, finances, succession planning and environmental stewardship effectively.

Key components of a Range Rescue, LLC Comprehensive Ranch Management Plan include:

· Executive Summary  

· Examples of Business Goals  

· Mapping  

· Ranch Inventories  

· Infrastructure  

· Livestock Grazing Management  

· Grazing Permits and Leases 

· Livestock Management Plan  

· Irrigated Cropland Management  

· Dryland Crop Management  

· Water Management  

· Human Resources, Labor and Personnel  

· Equipment Management  

· Ranch Safety   

· Environmental Stewardship  

· Wildlife Considerations  

· Archaeological Considerations   

· Wildland Fire Mitigation and Preparedness  

· Recreational Income Opportunities  

· Ranch Security  

· Compliance and Legal  

· Evaluation and Continuous Improvement  

· Cost Share Opportunities for Conservation and Improvements 

· Lifestyle Considerations  

· Ranch Purchasing and Procurement  

· Ranch Financial Health  

· Ranch Accounting      

· Ranch Budgeting   

· Ranch Legacy and Succession Planning  

Executive Summary

Mission Statement: Ranch Owners summary of vision, values, and purpose

Business Summary:

· Ranch Name:

· Ranch Owners Name and Contact Information:

· Ranch Address:

· Ranch Legal Organizational Structure: 

· General Landscape Description: 

· Total Acres of Private / Leased Land: 

· Ranch Employee Organizational Chart

· Primary Enterprise:

· Registered Livestock Brands:

· Ranch Manager Name and Contact Information:

Examples of Business Goals

Short-Term Goals (0–12 months)

· Improve pasture management (e.g., rotate grazing, reseed weak areas)

· Ensure herd health: vaccines, parasite control, calving prep

· Evaluate and improve herd nutrition

· Improve record-keeping systems (digital logs, tagging)

· Repair/upgrade key infrastructure (fencing, water lines, corrals)

· Analyze expenses to reduce unnecessary costs

· Build local relationships with vets, buyers, suppliers

· Market and sell livestock or products strategically (timing, pricing)

· Equipment maintenance logs and schedules

· Employee evaluation

Mid-Term Goals (1–3 years)

· Source or buy quality bulls

· Improve or expand genetics through selective breeding or AI

· Improve herd conception rates

· Improve live calf percentages

· Rotate and reseed existing cropland

· Crop yield improvements

· Infrastructure improvements

· Diversify income (e.g., hay sales, farm stays, custom grazing)

· Develop a grazing plan to increase forage utilization

· Invest in equipment that improves labor efficiency (e.g., handling systems)

· Implement water conservation or irrigation upgrades

· Establish a strong brand for direct-to-consumer or niche markets

· Train or delegate tasks to family/employees for better time management

· File on new or non-adjudicated water rights

Long-Term Goals (3–10+ years)

· Ranch Expansion or Diversification

· Expand market reach 

· Financial stability

· Add new or improve existing irrigation systems

· Long-term Capital Expenditures

· Sustainability & Conservation

· Legacy & Succession Planning

· Community & Industry Engagement

· Grow herd size 

· Transition to regenerative or organic certification if desired

· Improve overall profitability with minimal environmental impact

· Continuing education

Mapping

· Perimeter Fence Lines

· Gates

· Livestock Water Sources

· Features and Riparian Zones

· Roads

· Individual Pastures with Acreage

· Usage (Pasture, Irrigated, Building Envelope)

· Season of Use

· Estimated AUM’s

· Cultural and Historical Sites

· Critical Wildlife Habitat

Ranch Inventories

· Registered Brand / Brands

· Livestock 

· Equipment and Machinery 

· Structures and Improvements

· Technology and Systems

· Backup Energy Systems

· Feed and Supplies

· Water Rights and Wells

· Mineral Rights

Infrastructure

· Fencing (barbed wire, electric, permanent vs. temporary, wildlife friendly)

· Corrals and chutes

· Barns and equipment sheds

· Road maintenance

· Water improvements

Livestock Grazing Management

· Rotation grazing plan 

· Forage species (native grasses, improved varieties)

· Stocking rates (AUM’s per pasture or lease)

· Range improvement strategies

· Soil testing (every 1–2 years)

· Weed & brush control (herbicides, burning, mechanical)

· Monitoring Plan (Established in Ranch Inventory and Land Assessment Document)

· Fence repair or replacement

Grazing Permits and Leases

· Compliance

· Monitoring and Documentation 

· Rotations

· Carrying Capacity

· Rangeland Health

· Water Infrastructure

· Infrastructure and Access

· Agency Relationships

· Conservation and Wildlife Goals

· Forward Planning (Drought, Fire, Pest Invasion)

Livestock Management

Livestock Handling Protocols

· General Principles

· Facilities (Corral Construction, Ground Cover, Ease of Flow, Ease to Gather Into, Pen Space, Sorting Alley, 

  Good Gates, Gate Locations, Gate Latches, Scale, Squeeze Chute and Palpation Cage, Corral Capacity, Sick 

  Corrals, Water, Buildings)

· Corral Works Protocols (Foot, Horseback)

· Allowable Manipulation Aids- Hot Shots, Sorting Sticks, Flags, Rattle Paddles etc…) 

· Gathering and Herd Movement (Horses, ATVs)

· Loading and Unloading (Ramp Height and Incline, Non Slip, Secure Facility)

· Employee Safety Measures

· Euthanasia Protocols

· Record Keeping

· Employee Training

Herd Health Program

· General Herd Disposition

· Body condition scores

· Vaccination schedule

· Deworming and parasite protocol

· Biosecurity measures

· Saddlebag diagnosis and treatment booklets

· Veterinary relationship

Calving Protocols

Pre-Calving Preparation (30-60 Days Before Calving)

· Cow Nutrition

· Vaccinations: Administer vaccines to prevent scours and other neonatal diseases 

· Facilities Check

· Calving Equipment and Supplies Ready

· Inventory of vaccines and medications

· First Calf Heifer Monitoring

Calving

· Calving dates – First calf heifers

· Calving dates – Mature cows

· Calving records

· Tagging system

· Clostridium Type C & D vaccination 

· Calving facilities and pastures

· Clean pastures to move from calving grounds

· Saddlebag Diagnosis and Treatment Booklet (For employees involved in calving)

· Illnesses and treatments

· Emergency contacts and protocols

Branding and Ownership Identification

· Branding protocols

· Vaccinations during branding

· Castration protocols

· Dehorning protocols

· Pain management after branding or processing (Meloxicam / Banamine)

· Ear tagging system (Cows, Calves and Bulls) 

· RFID tagging system

· Age iron branding breeding stock

Breeding Program

· Breed selection

· Improve herd genetics - quality bull selection

· Breeding seasons (spring/fall)

· Bull-to-cow ratio or AI use

· Pregnancy checks and calving intervals

· Testing bulls – BBSE exam (Bull breeding soundness exam) and Trich testing

· Age iron bulls and replacement heifers

· Cull aged and unproductive breeding stock

Nutrition & Supplementation

· Grazing plans by season

· Herd needs (Dry cows, late gestation, lactating, heifers)

· Hay feeding (production or purchase)

· Laboratory hay analysis

· Daily intake based on analysis

· Protein supplementation

· Salt and mineral program

· Emergency feeding plan (drought, winter) 

Record Keeping (Cattle Herd Management Software)

· Individual animal ID system

· Ages

· Birth/weaning weights

· Vaccinations & treatments

· Breeding & calving dates

· Conception Rates

· Weaning Rates  

Budgeting

· Operating budget

· Capital expenses

· Income projections

· Cash flow analysis

Marketing Strategy

· Goals ( Profit target, risk tolerance, marketing timeframe)

· Branding and Promotion

· Target markets (direct-to-consumer, auction, online)

· Sale timing (weaning, backgrounding, finished)

· Value-added products (grass-fed, organic, steroid free, antibiotic free, VAC 45)

· Risk management (hedging, livestock risk protection insurance (LPR), forward contracting)

· Records and performance tracking

Risk Management

· Insurance (property, liability, livestock)

· Drought plan

· Emergency fund

· USDA programs (NRCS, EQIP, FSA loans)

· State and Federal Leases and Permits

Irrigated Cropland Management

Site Assessment & Resource Inventory

· Total Irrigated Acres: 

· Soil Types: (loamy, clayey, sandy, etc.)

· Type of Irrigation

· Water Source

· Historical Crop Yields: By field and year

Water Management

Irrigation Scheduling

· Evapotranspiration (ET)-based scheduling

· Soil moisture monitoring (probes, sensors)

· Weather station data (rainfall, temperature)

· Crop water requirements (varies by growth stage)

Irrigation System Maintenance

· Annual inspection of pumps, pipes, valves

· Pressure checks and flow meter readings

· Nozzle/clog inspection for pivots and drip

· End-of-season system flush

· End-of-season fluid change (gearboxes and drives)

· Check electrical connections and components

· Clean electrical boxes

Water Conservation Practices

· Night irrigation to reduce evaporation

· Efficient Nozzle Packages

· Drop Tube Lengths

· Tailwater reuse systems

· Laser leveling or contouring for flood systems

· Drip or micro-irrigation for high-value crops

Crop Production Plan

· Crop Selection

· Primary Crops: (alfalfa, corn, small grains, vegetables)

· Secondary/rotation crops: (cover crops, legumes)

· Winter Hardiness

· Varieties chosen for water efficiency and local climate

Crop Rotation

· Reduce pest and disease pressure

· Improve soil structure and organic matter

· Fix nitrogen with legumes

· Rotation schedule by field (3-5 years)

· Use winter triticale for high yielding forage when rotating out of alfalfa

Soil Fertility

· Annual soil testing (NPK, micronutrients, pH)

· Precision application (VRT technology)

· Organic matter management (compost, manure, cover crops)

· Fertigation strategy (if drip or pivot-fed)

· Soil amendments

Seeding/ Planting Management

· Timing

· Seed Varieties

· Seeding Rate

· Seed Depth

Pest, Weed, and Disease Management

· Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

· Threshold-based pesticide applications

· Herbicide rotation for resistance management

· Biological controls (beneficial insects, cover crops)

· Scouting reports and tracking logs

Harvest and Post-Harvest Management

· Determine harvest goals by forage quantity or quality depending usage

· Harvest timing by crop maturity and moisture content

· Equipment preparation and maintenance

· Moisture testing

· Combustion mitigation

· Storage management (bins, tarps, dryers)

· Transport and logistics

· Yield tracking by field

Conservation & Sustainability

· Cover Cropping: for erosion control, soil fertility

· Buffer Zones: along waterways or sensitive areas

· Reduced Tillage / No-Till: where applicable

· Carbon Sequestration Practices: e.g., biochar, deep-rooted crops

Financial & Record-Keeping

Budgeting

· Cost of water (pumping, irrigation district fees)

· Fertilizer, seed, fuel, labor

· Equipment depreciation

· Crop insurance and disaster planning

Record Keeping Per Field, Pivot, Cutting

· Irrigation logs

· Monthly flow meter readings

· Farming techniques

· Pivot track maintenance

· Laboratory soil testing results

· Fertilizer type and NPK application dates and rates per acre

· Pesticide application types, rates and dates

· Seeding and harvest dates

· Seeding / Planting seed varieties

· Seeding / Planting rates per acre

· Crop moisture at baling or harvest

· Tracking labor

· Equipment and fuel expenses

· Electricity expenses

· Laboratory crop analysis per field or cutting

· Bale type or harvest technique

· Crop bale count, weight and yields

· Positive and problematic comments

· Estimated value or selling price (Estimated value = Relative Feed Value x 1.5 per ton)

· Inputs, yield and revenue by crop and field

Labor & Equipment

· Hiring schedule (planting, irrigation, harvest)

· Training on irrigation systems, equipment and safety

· Equipment inventory and service intervals

· Spare parts inventory (filters, nozzles, hoses)

Compliance & Certifications

· Water rights documentation

· Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) or equivalent

· Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

· Organic or GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification (if applicable)

Evaluation & Adaptation

· Annual review of crop yields vs. water applied

· ROI (Return on Investments) on inputs

· Technology upgrades (remote sensing, smart valves)

· Education: workshops, webinars, field trials

Risk Management

· Crop insurance (Yield Protection, Revenue Protection)

· Marketing plan (forward contracts, storage, hedging)

· Drought contingency fund

Dryland Crop Management Plan

Site Assessment & Resource Inventory

· Total Dryland Acres: 

· Soil Types: (loamy, clayey, sandy, etc.)

· Annual Precipitation: 

· Water Requirements for Crop

· Topography: Flat, rolling, slope % (affects runoff & erosion)

· Historical Crop Yields: By field and year

Soil Moisture Management

· Moisture Conservation Techniques

· Conservation Tillage or No-Till

· Residue Management

· Mulching or Cover Crops

· Contour Farming / Strip Cropping

Fallow Management

· Chemical Fallow

· Tilled Fallow

· Cover Crop Fallow

· Soil and suppress weeds

Crop Selection & Rotation

· Suitable Dryland Crops

· Cereals: Winter wheat, barley, rye, triticale

· Legumes

· Grass

Rotation Strategy

· 2- to 5 -year rotations with fallow

· Example: Wheat → Fallow → Legume

· Reduce pest/disease cycles

· Diversify income and improve resilience to drought

Soil Fertility & Health

· Annual Soil Testing

· Fertilizer Placement

· Micronutrients

· Soil Amendments

Seeding/ Planting Management

· Timing / Soil Temperature

· Seed Varieties

· Seeding Rate

· Seed Depth

Weed, Pest, & Disease Control

· Pre-Emergence Weed Control: Residual herbicides at planting

· In-Season Monitoring: Scout regularly, especially near moisture stress zones

· Post-Harvest Spraying: Control volunteer crops and fall weeds

· Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Use economic thresholds for spraying

Harvest Management

· Harvest Timing: Based on grain moisture and weather forecast

· Minimize Loss: Adjust combine settings for smaller grains

· Residue Management: Leave stubble to protect soil and retain moisture

Financial & Risk Planning

· Budgeting

· Input cost tracking (seed, fertilizer, fuel, herbicides)

· Custom operations (seeding, spraying, harvesting)

· Yield projections by crop and rotation

Risk Management

· Crop insurance (Yield Protection, Revenue Protection)

· Marketing plan (forward contracts, storage, hedging)

· Drought contingency fund

Labor & Equipment

· Equipment suited for dryland

· Seasonal labor planning (harvest crew, sprayer operators)

· Maintenance logs and field readiness inspections

Sustainability & Conservation

· Wind Erosion Control

· Water Infiltration Practices

· Pollinator Habitat

· NRCS/EQIP Programs

Evaluation & Records

· Yield Maps & Analysis

· Crop Performance Review

· Soil Moisture Logs

· Decision Notes: Weather, field trials, equipment adjustments

  Water Management

· Properly adjudicated water rights

· File on non-adjudicated water sources

· Water sources (ponds, wells, creeks)

· Maintenance of water infrastructure (troughs, pumps, fencing)

· Water availability per animal (gal/day)

· Water quality testing schedule

Human Resources, Labor & Personnel

· Manager Vetting

· Staffing needs (full-time, part-time, seasonal)

· Job descriptions

· Training & safety programs

· Payroll and compliance

Equipment Management

· Equipment inventory

· Maintenance schedules

· Replacement plan

· Fuel and oil storage

· Maintenance and parts inventory

Ranch Employee Safety

· Animal Handling

· Horsemanship

· Machinery and Equipment

· Chemical Exposure

· Fire Safety

· Weather and Environmental Hazards

· Confined Spaces and Manure Pits

· ATV and Vehicle Safety

· Child and Visitor Safety

· Fatigue and Mental Health

· Emergency Preparedness

Environmental Stewardship

· Wildlife habitat support

· Riparian zone management

· Watershed health

· Erosion control

· Conservation practices

· Carbon footprint tracking (Carbon Footprint Calculator)

· Carbon Sequestration

Wildlife Considerations

Habitat and Species Protection

· Preserve native vegetation

· Endangered Species

· Maintain habitat diversity

· Protect riparian zones

· Provide wildlife-friendly water sources like escape ramps in livestock troughs.

· Maintain natural water sources (springs, streams, ponds) with buffer zones to prevent degradation.

Fencing and Wildlife Movement

· Use wildlife-friendly fencing 

· Avoid fencing that fragments important migration routes or habitat corridors.

Timing of Grazing and Ranch Activities

· Avoid intense grazing or heavy machinery use during key breeding, nesting, or migration seasons.

· Allow rest periods for vegetation to recover, supporting ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.

Predator Management

· Use non-lethal predator control when possible 

· Understand the role of predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and prey populations.

Invasive Species Control

· Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM’s) controls

· Minimize harm to native species and beneficial and pollinator insects.

Conservation Programs

· NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

· Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW)

Conservation easements to protect land long-term 

Archaeological Considerations

Document New and Discovered Features

· Stone tools, pottery shards, or hearths.

· Graves

· Rock art or carvings (petroglyphs and pictographs).

· Historic mining, homesteading, or military artifacts.

Legal Responsibilities

· Federal and state laws protect cultural and archaeological resources on public and, in some cases, private lands:

· Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA)

· National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

· Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

· On leased public lands (e.g., BLM or Forest Service), removal or disturbance of artifacts without permits is illegal.

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Preparedness

Prevention & Mitigation

· Defensible Space Creation

· Vegetation and flammable materials within at least 30–100 feet of structures.

· Fire-resistant landscaping and space trees/shrubs appropriately.

· Fuel Management

· Thinning of overgrown trees and brush.

· Controlled burns, grazing, or mechanical removal to reduce ground fuels.

· Firebreaks & Access Roads

· Clear firebreaks and ensure access roads are navigable for emergency vehicles.

· Building Materials

· Non-combustible or fire-resistant materials for roofs, decks, and siding.

Preparedness

· Fire Plans & Insurance

· Wildland fire response plan (evacuation routes, contacts, water sources).

· Property insured for wildfire protection

· Community Collaboration

· Join or support a local volunteer fire department, similar community wildfire protection plans (CWPPs).

· Water Supply & Equipment

· Reliable water sources for wildland fire fighting and support.

During a Fire

· Emergency and neighbor contact information

· Evacuation Readiness

· Have a “go bag” and important documents ready.

· Property Access:

· Unlock gates, mark addresses clearly, and clear driveways for emergency access.

Recovery

· Post-Fire Assessment

· Inspect soil stability, erosion risks, and water quality after the fire.

· Engage with local conservation services for recovery assistance.

· Financial & Technical Assistance:

· Seek help from USDA NRCS, state forestry agencies, or disaster relief programs for rebuilding and reforestation.

· Ecological Recovery:

· Let the land regenerate naturally where appropriate or replant with native fire-adapted species.

Recreational Income Opportunities

· Hunting

· Fishing

· Camping and Glamping

· Horseback Riding and Trail Experiences

· Wildlife Viewing and Photography Tours

· Agritourism – Ranch Experience

· Workshops, Retreats, Events

· Ranch Stays and Hospitality

· Carbon Sequestration

Ranch Security

Physical Security

· Fencing & Gates

· Signage

· Lighting

Surveillance & Monitoring

· Trail Cameras or Security Cameras

· Drones

· Smart Sensors

Theft & Vandalism Prevention

· Lock up tools, fuel, and equipment 

Human Safety & Training

· Train family and workers 

· Recognizing suspicious activity

· Emergency response plans

· First aid and basic self-defense 

· Communication system in place (e.g., radios, cell coverage boosters).

Legal & Community Coordination

· Work with neighbors 

· Rural crime watch or landowner group

· Relations with local law enforcement - property tours

· Clearly visible address or ranch entrance sign for emergency responders.

Compliance & Legal

· Property boundaries & easements

· Permits (water use, grazing leases)

· Tax and accounting (CPA relationship)

· Succession and estate planning

· Applicators Licensing

· Animal Welfare

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

· Annual employee performance review

· Adjustments to grazing or breeding programs

· Adjustments to crop production

· Continuing education (workshops, certifications)

· New technologies (drones, soil sensors, GPS)

Cost Share Opportunities for Conservation and Improvements 

Federal Programs 

· Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

· Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

· Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

· US Fish and Wildlife Service

State and Local Programs

· State conservation agencies or soil and water conservation 

· State wildlife agencies

Private & Nonprofit Partnerships

· The Nature Conservancy 

· Trout Unlimited

· Partnership f Rangeland Trusts

· Cattleman’s Associations

· Western Landowners Alliance (WLA)

· Ducks Unlimited

· National Grazing Lands Coalition

· Watershed or Grazing Cooperatives

· Quivira Coalition

· Holistic Management International (HMI)

· Savory Institute & Local Savory Hubs

· Land Trust Alliance & Local Land Trusts

National Audubon Society – Audubon Conservation Ranching Program 

 Ranch Owner Lifestyle Considerations

Owner / Manager

Time Commitment

· Ranching is 24/7 — animals, weather, and emergencies don’t follow a 9–5 schedule.

· Holidays, weekends, and even vacations may be interrupted by births, storms, or repairs.

· Success depends on discipline, flexibility, and long-term commitment.

Physical & Mental Demands

· Ranch work is physically intense: lifting, riding, fencing, hauling, etc.

· Long hours in heat, cold, or isolation can lead to fatigue or burnout.

· Mental stress from drought, market shifts, or disease outbreaks is real—support systems and self-care are essential.

Living on the Land

· You may live far from towns, schools, or hospitals - important for families to plan for isolation or home-based schooling.

· Wildlife, natural hazards, and weather extremes are part of daily life.

· The land becomes part of your identity - maintaining it brings both pride and pressure.

Financial Reality

· Income is often seasonal and unpredictable—dependent on weather, markets, and inputs.

· Long-term planning and financial literacy are crucial to avoid being land-rich but cash-poor.

· Diversifying income (e.g., agritourism, hunting leases, direct sales) can stabilize finances.

Family & Relationships

· Ranching can be deeply rewarding for families working together—but it can also strain relationships.

· Clear roles, communication, and shared goals are key to avoiding conflict.

· Involving kids from a young age can teach responsibility and build generational continuity.

Lifelong Learning

· Successful ranchers are always learning—from grazing techniques to technology to business planning.

· Participation in workshops, extension programs, or mentorship helps adapt to new challenges.

Stewardship & Legacy

· Owning a ranch means being a caretaker of land, water, and animals.

· Many ranchers feel a deep sense of responsibility to leave the land better than they found it.

· Planning for succession, conservation, and continuity is part of long-term success.

Absentee Owner Considerations

Reliable On-Site Management

· Hire a competent ranch manager or caretaker with proven experience and references.

· Clearly define roles: livestock care, land management, reporting, and financial oversight.

· Set up a formal management agreement or contract, including expectations, pay, and accountability.

Communication & Oversight

· Establish regular check-ins via phone, video calls, or reports (weekly/monthly).

· Use ranch management software or shared documents (e.g., grazing records, herd health, maintenance logs).

· Schedule in-person visits at least seasonally to walk the land and assess progress.

Monitoring & Security

· Install remote cameras at gates, equipment areas, and pastures for theft prevention and operational visibility.

· Use trail cameras or motion sensors for livestock and wildlife monitoring.

· Consider smart ranch tools: water level sensors, GPS trackers for livestock, remote weather stations.

Financial Management

· Keep a close eye on ranch budgets, expenses, and revenue.

· Require detailed monthly expense reports with receipts from your manager.

· Use an accountant familiar with agriculture-specific tax deductions and depreciation (e.g., livestock, fencing, equipment).

Legal, Insurance & Compliance

· Maintain up-to-date liability insurance, especially if leasing land, running cattle, or hosting guests.

· Ensure fence-line agreements, water rights, and leases are documented and honored.

· Review and renew grazing permits, brand registrations, or conservation agreements as needed.

Leasing or Custom Operations

· If not actively running livestock:

· Lease land to a local rancher for grazing (cash lease or share agreement).

· Consider custom grazing or farming partnerships for passive income.

· Use a written lease that outlines stocking rates, responsibilities, and land care requirements.

Conservation & Stewardship

· Use programs from NRCS, land trusts, or conservation NGOs to enhance land health and offset absenteeism.

· Monitor for overgrazing, erosion, or invasive species through your manager or trusted local contacts.

· Consider conservation easements to preserve land value and natural resources long-term.

Local Relationships

Maintain good relationships with:

Neighbors – they can report issues or help in emergencies.

Local vets, feed suppliers, and service providers – essential for operations.

County extension offices – great resource for landowners not living locally.

  Ranch Purchasing and Procurement

· Purpose

· Scope

· Objectives

· Organizational Structure

· Procurement Process

· Procurement Categories

· Budgeting and Cost Control

· Record Keeping

· Maintain logs of:

· Use Ranch Management or Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Ranch Manager, Traction).

Ranch Financials, Accounting and Budgeting

A Range Rescue, LLC Financials, Accounting and Budgeting Plan includes all revenue sources, operating expenses, capital investments, and projected cash flow. In addition, the plan will designate responsibilities and identify individual Ranch accounting practices.  Key components included in a Ranch Financials and Budgeting Plan:

Ranch Financial Health

Balance Sheet

· Assets: land, equipment, livestock, inventory, cash

· Liabilities: loans, accounts payable

· Equity: owner’s capital or retained earnings

Income Statement (profit and loss statement)

· Revenue

· Expenses

· Net Income

Cash Flow Statement

· Operating Activities

· Investing Activities

· Financing Activities

Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

· Retained Earnings

· Stock Issuances/Repurchases

· Other Comprehensive Income

Ranch Accounting

Income (Revenue)

Include all sources of income:

· Sale of calves, yearlings, cull cows/bulls

· Sale of hay, grain, or other crops

· Hunting leases or agritourism income

· Government payments or subsidies (e.g., USDA programs)

· Custom work or equipment leasing

· Direct-to-consumer meat sales

Operating Expenses

These are recurring, short-term costs of running the ranch:

· Feed (hay, grain, supplements, mineral)

· Veterinary and medicine expenses

· Artificial insemination / breeding fees

· Pasture and forage maintenance (seed, fertilizer, spraying)

· Fuel, oil, and lubricants

· Repairs and maintenance (fences, equipment, buildings)

· Labor (wages, payroll taxes, benefits)

· Utilities (electricity, water, phone)

· Office expenses

· Supplies (ear tags, ropes, gloves, etc.)

· Marketing and transportation costs

· Insurance (liability, property, livestock)

· Legal and Accounting

· Lease payments

· Taxes

Capital Expenses

These are large purchases or investments in long-term assets:

· Equipment and machinery

· New fencing or facilities

· Land purchases or improvements

· Livestock purchases for breeding herd expansion

· Major repairs

· Water improvements

· Irrigation improvements

(Capital expenses are not included in the operating budget but are tracked in capital plans and cash flow projections.)

Loan Payments and Debt Service

· Principal and interest on land, equipment, or livestock loans

· Line of credit payments

Depreciation (Non-Cash)

· Track annual depreciation on buildings, equipment, and vehicles for accounting purposes.

Cash Flow Projections

· Month-by-month forecast of income and expenses

· Identify times of cash shortfall (e.g., before calf sales)

· Plan for financing needs or cost reductions

Profitability Analysis

· Break-even analysis (cost per pound of beef, cost per cow)

· Gross margin per enterprise (cow-calf, hay, custom work)

· Net income (profit after all costs)

Balance Sheet

· Assets: land, equipment, livestock, inventory, cash

· Liabilities: loans, accounts payable

· Equity: owner’s capital or retained earnings

Ranch Budgeting

Define Goals and Objectives

· Establish clear financial and operational goals to guide the budgeting process.

Income Sources

· Identify all potential revenue streams, including livestock sales, crop yields, and government subsidies. Use historical data and market trends to estimate expected income. 

Categorize Expenses

· Classify expenses into fixed (e.g., loan payments, insurance), variable (e.g., feed, labor), and capital (e.g., equipment, infrastructure) costs.

Develop Budgets

· Create the various budgets (whole-ranch, enterprise, partial, cash flow) based on the collected data. Ensure that each budget aligns with the overall goals and provides actionable insights.

Monitor and Adjust

· Regularly compare actual performance against the budgeted figures to identify variances. Adjust operations and strategies as needed to stay on track with financial objectives.

Integrate Family Living Expenses

· Incorporate family living costs into the overall budget to ensure that the ranch operation can support both business and household needs

Ranch Legacy and Succession Planning

A Range Rescue, LLC Ranch Legacy and Succession Plan involves preparing for the long-term sustainability of a ranching operation by ensuring its transfer—both management and ownership—from one generation to the next. This process is critical to preserving the family’s legacy, protecting assets, and avoiding conflicts or fragmentation of the land.

Vision and Values Clarification

· Define the family’s long-term vision for the ranch.

· Discuss core values - conservation, profitability, lifestyle, heritage—that should guide decisions.

Family Communication

· Hold structured family meetings to ensure all voices are heard.

· Encourage transparency about goals, expectations, and concerns.

Succession Plan

· Identify a successor or successors early (children, relatives, or even non-family employees).

· Define roles and responsibilities, including a transition timeline.

· Consider training and mentoring for future leaders.

Estate Planning

· Develop wills, trusts, and power-of-attorney documents.

· Utilize tools like family limited partnerships (FLPs) or LLCs to manage ownership and reduce tax burdens.

· Plan for minimizing estate taxes and ensuring liquidity to avoid forced land sales.

Financial and Business Planning

· Review of profitability and business structure.

· Set up formal agreements like buy-sell agreements or operating agreements.

· Ensure adequate insurance coverage for life, disability, and long-term care.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Have your Range Rescue, LLC Ranch Legacy and Succession Plan reviewed by your attorney, CPA or financial planner who is familiar with agricultural or ranch businesses.

Consider a conservation easement to reduce tax burden, provide a cash infusion or if maintaining open space or habitat is a family goal.

Implementation and Review

· Start early and treat the plan as a living document.

· Revisit and update regularly as family, laws, and business conditions change.

Common Challenges

· Lack of communication or avoiding difficult conversations.

· Unequal contribution or interest among heirs.

· Conflict between tradition and modern business needs.

· Poor planning leads to forced sales, debt, or family conflict.