You need to protect your ranching legacy. Here’s how.

By Kaydence Michalsky.

Since the beginning, ranching has always been about family. From difficulty with accessible farmland, to droughts and floods, ranchers have always found a way to protect one thing – their legacy. Challenging times have been thrown at ranchers for years, and now is no exception.

Though costs are rising, ranchers are getting less in their pockets for the cattle they raise, even though they are one of the top providers that keep the economy going. There’s no doubt it’s been difficult, and hardships come and go as time goes on, but no matter what, ranchers are resilient and always find a way to solve any problem. Now, it's more important than ever to ensure you protect your legacy for the generations to come. 

1. Boost efficiencies

On the path to protecting your legacy, you’ll want to ensure you’re improving the efficiency of your operation. Cattle equipment Cattle equipment should help make getting the job done easier and safer for cattle and handlers alike. It’s important to use equipment that maintains the well-being of animals as one of the top concerns. This means using cattle equipment that is designed with animal science in mind to guarantee a low-stress and safe operation. It is also important you learn the behavior of your livestock to improve efficiency. 

2. Fine tune your cattle handling techniques

Cattle have both a flight zone, and a pressure zone – it's important to understand the difference and know which one to use. The pressure zone is the area just outside the flight zone. In the pressure zone, you can stay in communication with the animal and create a more controlled environment without the animal feeling threatened. The closer you get to the animal's flight zone, the more likely it is to run away and not do what you want it to. 

You should also note that cattle can store bad memories for a long time. Often, these memories are associated with certain people or objects. This is especially true with the cattle equipment in your handling system, which is why it is important to make sure every experience with your cattle and equipment is a positive one. Learning how to properly handle your cattle and passing that knowledge down will lead to your ranch being safer, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable, for years to come.

3. Focus on equipment safety

Safety should always be the number one priority, especially since most ranchers have curious children that want to help. Investing in equipment that is safe and easy to use will help prevent accidents and make working cattle more inclusive for even the youngest of ranchers. Look at the cattle equipment you currently use. How safe is it? Is it easy to use? How reliable is it? If it needs maintenance or ever requires parts, are you covered by warranty? If the answer to any of those questions was “not at all,” then you may want to consider upgrading your equipment. Though it can be a larger investment upfront, it can lead to a better return over time. Some companies also offer financing, which can help you get the cattle equipment you want. 

4. Small upgrades can make big improvements

If you’re looking to make changes, but want to take it slow, consider starting with a no waste hay feeder. This is a great way to reduce costs and waste on your ranch. With a convenient and effortless way to feed your cattle, this will give you more time in your day to complete other important tasks. A no waste hay feeder also works to support the health and well-being of your herd by suspending bales off the ground, protecting them from animal waste, ground moisture, and other contaminants found in the soil. After all, healthy cattle make a happy rancher. 

Legacy is what you leave behind. For most ranching families, what you leave behind will be passed down for decades. Each new generation will bring new and innovative ideas, but one thing will never change: The passion and devotion ranchers have for their animals and what they do. Finding a company that gives you and your family the same great care and compassion you give your livestock is important. 

Ranching never stops – whether it’s a cow having a calf at 3 a.m., or a day full of vaccinating that doesn’t end until the sun goes down. Equipment can break down, and cattle can get rowdy. That’s why it’s important to work with a company that not only stands behind their products, but also stands behind you. Finding a company that has 24/7 Client Care and a 24-hour shipping promise are key to making sure your operation doesn’t stop, so you can focus on building and protecting your legacy.