Ranch Management Plan

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A Range Rescue, LLC Ranch Management Plan is 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, and environmental stewardship effectively.

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

· Executive Summary and Business Goals and Objectives

· Land and Resource Management

· Irrigated Crop Management

· Dryland Crop Management

· Water Management

· Infrastructure 

· Livestock Management

· Labor and Personnel

· Equipment Management

· Environmental Stewardship 

. Wildlife Considerations

. Archaeological Considerations

. Wildland Fire Mitigation and Preparedness

· Compliance and Legal

· Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

· Overall Financial and Budgeting Plan

Executive Summary

• Ranch Name:
• Ranch Organizational Structure: 
• Location: 
• Total Acres of Private / Leased Land: 
• Ranch Employee Organizational Chart
• Primary Enterprise:
• Business Goals:
  • Short-term (1–2 years) 
  • Mid-term (3–5 years) 
  • Long-term (5+ years)

The following is an example of short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals for a working cattle ranch. These goals reflect operational priorities, financial health, herd improvement, land management, and succession planning.

Short-Term Goals (0–12 months)

Operational Efficiency

• Improve feeding schedules and reduce waste.
• Repair or upgrade fencing, water troughs, and cattle handling facilities.
• Implement or improve record-keeping systems for herd health and expenses.

Herd Health & Management

• Complete vaccinations, deworming, and pregnancy checks.
• Cull aged or underperforming animals.
• Source or purchase a quality bull or replacement heifers.

Financial Goals

• Create or revise a ranch budget.
• Identify and cut unnecessary costs.
• Apply for relevant agricultural grants or subsidies.

Land & Equipment

• Conduct soil tests and apply needed amendments.
• Capital Expenditures
• Maintain or service essential equipment (tractors, trailers, etc.).
• Begin rotational grazing practices, if not already in place.

Mid-Term Goals (1–3 years)

Herd Improvement

• Implement a selective breeding program for improved genetics.
• Increase weaning weights and calf crop percentage.
• Start or expand AI (artificial insemination) program.

Financial & Business Development

• Diversify income streams (e.g., hay sales, agritourism, direct-to-consumer beef sales).
• Build a stronger relationship with local processors or markets.
• Develop a reliable cash flow and reduce debt load.

Infrastructure

• Invest in more efficient cattle-handling systems (e.g., working pens or squeeze chutes).
• Build or upgrade barns, calving pens, or storage facilities.

Pasture & Crop Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grazing plan.
• Re-seed pastures and remove invasive species.
• Rotate irrigated crops
• Build or improve water access systems (ponds, wells, pipeline).

Upgrade Equipment

                     o Replace worn out ATV’s or UTV’s

                     o Upgrade hay equipment to meet demand 

Long-Term Goals (3+ years)

Ranch Expansion or Diversification

• Acquire additional land or lease grazing rights.
• Increase carrying capacity, Expand into other complementary enterprises (e.g., alfalfa and grass hay sales).
• Upgrade to high efficiency irrigation systems
• File on non-adjudicated water rights
• Review and capitalize on mineral rights

Long-term Capital Expenditures

                     o Equipment Replacement

                     o Land and Land Improvements

                     o Infrastructure Improvements

                     o Breeding Livestock

                     o Technology

                     o Major Repairs

Sustainability & Conservation

• Achieve regenerative ranching benchmarks (improved soil health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration).
• Establish a conservation easement or enroll in a long-term land stewardship program.
• Increase winter forage production

Legacy & Succession Planning

• Develop a clear succession plan for family or business partners.
• Formalize ranch structure (LLC, trust, etc.).
• Mentor the next generation or hire and train future managers.

Community & Industry Engagement

• Become involved in local or national cattlemen’s associations.
• Host field days or educational events.
• Advocate for policies supporting sustainable ranching.

Land & Resource Management

Pasture 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

Irrigated Cropland Management

Irrigated Cropland Management Plan

• Acreage under Irrigation
• Crop rotation schedule
• Soil types and testing
• Fertilizing
• Water sources: (well, canal, river, reservoir)
• Irrigation System: (pivot, drip, flood, wheel line)
• Topography: flat, sloped, terraced
• Record Keeping

Water Management

· Irrigation Scheduling

o Evapotranspiration (ET)-based scheduling

o Soil moisture monitoring (probes, sensors)

o Weather station data (rainfall, temperature)

o 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

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

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

o Winter Hardiness

o 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)

Soil Fertility

• Annual soil testing (NPK, micronutrients, pH)
• Precision application (VRT - variable rate technology)
• Organic matter management (compost, manure, cover crops)
• Fertigation strategy (if drip or pivot-fed)

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

• Harvest timing by crop maturity and moisture content
• Equipment prep 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

o Cost of water (pumping, irrigation district fees)

o Fertilizer, seed, fuel, labor

o Equipment depreciation

o Crop insurance and disaster planning

Record Keeping

• Irrigation logs
• Monthly flow meter readings
• Fertilizer and pesticide applications
• Soil and tissue tests
• Seeding and harvest dates
• Crop moisture at baling or harvest
• 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 Investment) on inputs
• Technology upgrades (remote sensing, smart valves)
• Education: workshops, webinars, field trials

Dryland Crop Management Plan

Site Assessment & Resource Inventory

• Total Dryland Acres: 
• Soil Types: (loamy, clayey, sandy, etc.)
• Annual Precipitation: 
• Topography: Flat, rolling, slope % (affects runoff & erosion)
• Historical Crop Yields: By field and year

Soil Moisture Management

· Moisture Conservation Techniques

o Conservation Tillage or No-Till: Reduces evaporation and maintains soil structure

o Residue Management: Leave stubble on the field to protect topsoil and retain moisture

o Mulching or Cover Crops: Use in fallow or offseason to minimize wind erosion and increase organic matter

o Contour Farming / Strip Cropping: On sloped fields to reduce runoff

Fallow Management

• Chemical Fallow: Herbicide to suppress weeds during rest years
• Tilled Fallow: Disking/plowing to conserve moisture (less favored due to erosion risk
• Cover Crop Fallow: Use drought-tolerant covers like vetch or mustard to improve soil and suppress weeds

Crop Selection & Rotation

· Suitable Dryland Crops

o Cereals: Winter wheat, barley, rye, triticale

o Row Crops: Dryland corn, sunflowers, safflower, grain sorghum

o Legumes: Alfalfa, sainfoin, milk vetch, chickpeas, lentils, cowpeas, field peas (fix nitrogen & improve soil health)

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: Focus on NPK, pH, organic matter
• Fertilizer Placement: Banding at planting or split application based on forecast
• Micronutrients: Monitor sulfur, zinc, boron depending on crops
• Soil Amendments: Lime or gypsum for pH and structure if needed

Planting Management

• Timing: Plant into stored moisture; follow optimal planting windows
• Seed Varieties: Choose drought-tolerant and early-maturing types
• Seeding Rate: Adjust for moisture—less water = lower rate
• Seed Depth: Plant slightly deeper to access moisture, but not too deep to reduce emergence

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

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

o Custom operations (seeding, spraying, harvesting)

o Yield projections by crop and rotation

· Risk Management

o Crop insurance (Yield Protection, Revenue Protection)

o Marketing plan (forward contracts, storage, hedging)

o Drought contingency fund

Labor & Equipment

• Equipment suited for dryland: no-till drills, narrow row planters, residue-tolerant sprayers
• Seasonal labor planning (harvest crew, sprayer operators)
• Maintenance logs and field readiness inspections

Sustainability & Conservation

• Wind Erosion Control: Maintain surface residue, establish windbreaks
• Water Infiltration Practices: Keep soil covered, avoid compaction
• Pollinator Habitat: Leave margins with native flowers or grasses
• NRCS/EQIP Programs: Look into cost-share for conservation improvements

Evaluation & Records

• Yield Maps & Analysis
• Crop Performance Review
• Soil Moisture Logs
• Decision Notes: Weather, field trials, equipment adjustments

Water Management

• Properly adjudicated 
• 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

Infrastructure

• Fencing (barbed wire, electric, permanent vs. temporary)
• Corrals and chutes
• Barns and equipment sheds
• Road maintenance

Livestock Management

Herd Health Program

• 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
•  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
• 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
• Hay feeding (production or purchase)
• Mineral & vitamin supplementation
• Emergency feeding plan (drought, winter)

Record Keeping (Herd Management Software)

• Individual animal ID system
• Ages
• Birth/weaning weights
• Vaccinations & treatments
• Breeding & calving dates
• Age iron bulls and replacement heifers

Financial & Business Planning

Budgeting

• Operating budget
• Capital expenses
• Income projections
• Cash flow analysis

Marketing Strategy

• Target markets (direct-to-consumer, auction, online)
• Sale timing (weaning, backgrounding, finished)
• Value-added products (grass-fed, organic, steroid free, antibiotic free, branded beef)

Risk Management

• Insurance (property, liability, livestock)
• Drought plan
• Emergency fund
• USDA programs (NRCS, EQIP, FSA loans)
• State and Federal Leases and Permits

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

Environmental Stewardship

•   Wildlife habitat support
• Riparian area management
• Watershed health
• Erosion control
• Conservation practices
• Carbon footprint tracking
• Carbon Sequestration

Wildlife Considerations

1. Habitat and Species Protection

• Preserve native vegetation
• Endangered Species
• Maintain habitat diversity
• Protect riparian zone

2. Water Access

• Provide wildlife-friendly water sources like escape ramps in livestock troughs.
• Maintain natural water sources (springs, streams, ponds) with buffer zones to prevent degradation.

3. Fencing and Wildlife Movement

• Use wildlife-friendly fencing
• Avoid fencing that fragments important migration routes or habitat corridors.

4. 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.

5. Predator Management

• Use non-lethal predator control when possible
• Understand the role of predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and prey populations.

6. Invasive Species Control

• Invasive plants can reduce habitat quality for wildlife.
• Control methods should minimize harm to native species (e.g., targeted grazing,      spot-spraying).

7. Participate in Conservation Programs

• Join initiatives like:
  • NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
  • Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW)
  • Conservation easements to protect land long-term

Archaeological Considerations

Archaeological considerations are an important but often overlooked aspect of land stewardship for ranchers. Many rangelands and pastures contain archaeological and cultural heritage sites, including Indigenous artifacts, historic homesteads, rock art, burial grounds, or ancient trails. Protecting these resources is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but can also foster positive relationships with local communities and tribes.

1. Know What May Be on Your Land

• Many ranches, especially in the western U.S. and other historically inhabited   areas, may contain:
  • Stone tools, pottery shards, or hearths.
  • Graves
  • Rock art or carvings (petroglyphs and pictographs).
  • Historic mining, homesteading, or military artifacts.

2. 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.

3. Best Practices 

• Avoid disturbing known sites during fencing, construction, plowing, or water development.
• If  you find something unusual (stone tools, bones, foundations), do not move or collect it - report it to the appropriate authority.
• Educate workers or family members about identifying and respecting archaeological sites.

4. Tribal and Community Collaboration

• Work with local Indigenous communities to learn about traditional uses of the land.
• Some tribes may wish to access sacred or culturally important sites for ceremonial purposes—collaboration can build trust and respect.

5. Benefits of Protection

• Preserves cultural heritage for future generations.
• Can enhance ecotourism or educational outreach opportunities.
• May qualify for grants or conservation incentives tied to cultural preservation.

Wildland Fire Mitigation and Preparedness

Prevention & Mitigation

Defensible Space Creation:

• Clear vegetation and flammable materials within at least 30–100 feet of structures.
• Use fire-resistant landscaping and space trees/shrubs appropriately.

Fuel Management:

• Conduct regular thinning of overgrown trees and brush.
• Use controlled burns, grazing, or mechanical removal to reduce ground fuels.

Firebreaks & Access Roads:

• Maintain clear firebreaks and ensure access roads are navigable for emergency       vehicles.

Building      Materials:

• Use non-combustible or fire-resistant materials for roofs, decks, and siding.

Preparedness:

Fire Plans & Insurance:

• Develop a wildland fire response plan (evacuation routes, contacts, water sources).
• Ensure your property is properly insured, especially for wildfire risk.

Community Collaboration:

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

Water Supply & Equipment:

• Have a reliable water source (cistern, pond, well) and equipment (hoses, pumps) available for firefighting support.

During a Fire:

Evacuation Readiness:

• Follow local emergency services' instructions promptly.
• 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.

  Compliance & Legal

• Property boundaries & easements
• Permits (water use, grazing leases)
• Tax and accounting (CPA relationship)
• Succession and estate planning
•   Applicators licensing

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)

Overall Financials and Budgeting

A Range Rescue, LLC Financial and Budgeting Plan includes all revenue sources, operating expenses, capital investments, and projected cash flow. Key components included in a Ranch Financials and Budgeting Plan:

1. Income (Revenue)

Include all sources of income:

• Sale of calves, yearlings, cull cows/bulls
• Breeding services or stud fees
• 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

2. 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)
• Supplies (ear tags, ropes, gloves, etc.)
• Office expenses
• Marketing and transportation costs
• Insurance (liability, property, livestock)
• Legal and Accounting
• Lease payments
• Taxes

3. 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

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

4. Loan Payments and Debt Service

• Principal and interest on land, equipment, or livestock loans
• Line of credit payments

5. Depreciation (non-cash)

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. Balance Sheet

• Assets: land, equipment, livestock, inventory, cash
• Liabilities: loans, accounts payable
• Equity: owner’s capital or retained earnings