Many people fantasize about becoming a cowboy. However, the reality is that modern cowboys, like ranchers and rodeo workers, have a physically and emotionally demanding job. If you love the outdoors and working with animals, pursuing a career as a cowboy might be right for you. Just keep in mind that this takes a lot of time and dedication.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Become a Rancher
Step 1. Find out about the race
Before you decide to become a rancher, spend some time researching this profession. A career in ranching can make you feel like a modern cowboy. If you love the outdoors and animals, it might be a suitable profession for you.
- The work of a rancher consists of taking care of the land and animals on a large agricultural property. Ranchers can have their own farm as well as work on other owners' farms. The life of a rancher can be exciting due to its unpredictable nature. Each day presents unique challenges and opportunities depending on the season, the character of the animals, the weather, and other factors.
- As a rancher, you will spend a lot of time outdoors. You may have to travel a lot, but you will see a lot of beautiful fields. If you love to travel and be outdoors, this might be the perfect job for you.
- Salary can be tricky when it comes to a profession like this. Your annual salary can fluctuate based on the current market and a farm's annual production. A bad season can mean financial setbacks. Ranchers generally do not enjoy traditional benefits, such as health insurance. These are factors that you should consider before getting involved in this life. In recent years, the outlook for this profession has gradually worsened. Keep in mind that you could earn less money as you spend more time working on a farm.
Step 2. Develop a series of skills
To be a rancher, you will need analytical, critical thinking, interpersonal and mechanical skills. Start developing them early.
- Analytical skills are useful for managing a farm and ranch. Taking leadership positions and college courses in marketing and management can help. You will also need critical thinking skills, as you will have to make decisions regarding livestock. Searching for management positions, even in unrelated areas, can help you hone your critical thinking skills because problem solving is a crucial component of management.
- Interpersonal skills are important. Look for experience in customer service and other jobs where you must work with other people. For example, you can get a summer job at a call center. Networking with other ranchers and doing business with farmers is a key component in this profession, so interpersonal communication is a crucial factor.
- Mechanical skills are also vital. He works on a local farm and applies for the opportunity to learn how the equipment works. Take an internship or apprenticeship with a local mechanic.
Step 3. Start in high school
Many of the people who become ranchers are born into that life. In many cases, their parents or grandparents worked on farms. If this does not apply to you, you can still become a rancher, but you should seek experience working on farms and with animals as soon as you are in high school.
- In high school, sign up for science-related classes. While there is no specific educational path to becoming a rancher, knowing animal biology can definitely help you improve your chances of success. You should also take food and consumption courses to learn about agriculture, food production and other related aspects.
- Begin to gain experience working with animals. Volunteer at a local farm or take horse riding lessons. Anything that gives you relevant, practical experience on a farm can help you build your resume for a profession like this.
Step 4. Get a relevant education
As mentioned, there is no specific certification that makes you a rancher. However, if you really want to pursue this profession, having a high school education can help you. Some of the certifications that can help you achieve this are the following:
- A four-year degree in food studies, agriculture, biology, or other related fields can help.
- An associate's degree or an internship can also be a good option if you don't want to study for four years. Depending on where you live, you may be able to enroll in a program that specifically focuses on livestock or agricultural activities. Check with local farms or talk to your student advisor about your plans.
- Many state universities or land adjudication institutions offer entry-level agricultural programs. They don't represent a full four-year degree, but they do provide you with a relevant certification.
Step 5. Seek early work experience through career-related programs
If you are just starting out, look for work where farmers are about to retire. Because many farmers will retire in the next decade, a large number of ranchers start out on related programs. These programs will allow them to create a bond with farmers in retirement.
- For example, the US government offers some beginner farming and ranching programs that you may be interested in. This would be a great place to start gaining experience.
- You can find these programs on the website of the Center for Rural Affairs. In this way, you can find programs in your area and connect with farmers who share your interests.
- Even if you can't stay in one program for long, working on several of them can help you improve your resume as well as gain valuable experience.
Step 6. Participate in good agricultural practices
Once you are an established rancher, practice good farming practices. Always stay up-to-date with the latest and most innovative techniques, and talk to other farmers about how you can improve.
- Manage the resources around you. Make sure you take care of the land you work on and carry out organic farming techniques.
- If you are working with a herd of cattle, make preventive health plans. Vaccinate livestock against contagious diseases and watch for signs of seasonal colds and flu. Quarantine animals that show early signs of disease.
- Make sure all livestock have enough food. Some animals may slow down or become weak and stop feeding. Always keep an eye on them to make sure they are of adequate weight.
- Buy quality but cheap materials. Establish a network of contact with other farmers in order to keep track of where to buy the best hay, store supplies and other livestock materials at low cost without sacrificing quality.
Method 2 of 2: Working in a Roundup
Step 1. Start early
Most of the people who work in rodeos were born surrounded by them. His parents were tied to the rodeo and learned the business up close. Even if you weren't born into a rodeo-loving family, it's important to get involved in their culture from an early age.
Go to the rodeos and see if you can volunteer. Just working as a farm laborer can help you get a feel for this profession
Step 2. Learn some basic skills
Try to learn some basic skills, such as using a rope, riding a horse, and others that are important to becoming a rodeo cowboy. Horse riding classes can help you develop a number of basic riding skills.
Step 3. Get in shape
Being a rodeo cowboy is a physically demanding job. You will need strength, endurance, and agility to work successfully in a rodeo. Build your muscles and stamina as you work towards your main goal.
- Join a gym and use weight training equipment, such as weight machines and ellipticals. At the gym, talk to a trainer to assess your current physical condition. If you start out with great effort, you could end up with an injury that could compromise your profession.
- Also try to develop your stamina. Go for a run, jog, bike ride, or other activities where you stay physically active for a long time.
Step 4. Get experience riding a horse
As a rodeo cowboy, you will need to have riding experience. You must have a certain command to ride a horse, so try to take classes.
- If possible, start at a young age. Take horse riding classes at a local farm or ranch.
- Practice all aspects of horseback riding: show jumping, barrel racing, western-style riding, English, and sideways, as a rodeo cowboy, a big part of your job will be to entertain, so you will need to have a lot of variety of skills.
- It is also important to have a good horse. Many rodeo cowboys claim that having a good horse can be essential in this profession. Pay attention to how you relate to each horse you ride and how well it reacts to your signals.
Step 5. Consider participating in a professional training program
While not as common as other training and apprenticeship programs, there are some rodeo training programs that you can look into. If you really want to dedicate yourself to this profession, consider the possibility of enrolling in one of them. You can also find program listings online or check with the cowboys at a local rodeo to see if they participate in any professional training programs.
Step 6. Build your repertoire
Once you think you are skilled enough to participate in a rodeo, start building your repertoire. Book performances at a variety of rodeos so that you can make your art known as you progress in your profession.
- You should probably start small. Sign up for betting events and competitions at local rodeos. If you succeed and start winning competitions, you will start to move up the rankings.
- Practice. Daily practice and hard work is what will ultimately determine your success as a rodeo cowboy. You should focus on using as much of your free time as possible to improve before entering the arena.
- Participate in different types of rodeos. There are many inexpensive rodeos that are organized in different locations. These will be a great opportunity to get started and gain some experience.
Step 7. Join an organization
There are a wide variety of professional rodeo organizations that you can join to increase your chances of finding a regular job. Find the most suitable organizations where you live. Membership requirements and fees vary by location. For more information, browse the websites of the organizations you are interested in.