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From Sand to Saddle: Starting a Ranch in Florida's Unique Environment
May, 2023
Rod Greder, Sustainable Ag Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County
Starting a successful cattle ranch in Florida can
be an involved and long-term process, but with the right planning and
patience it can be rewarding in numerous ways. Make sure you access expert
advice at the get-go from trusted extension specialists, consultants, and
experienced Florida cattle ranchers to address the following action items.
1. Conduct market research and build a
business plan: Carry out thorough market research on the industry,
including the types of cattle that thrive in Florida's climate and soil
type, the market demand, and the necessary regulations for operating a
ranch. Create a detailed business plan outlining your goals, strategies, and
budget. Do not blow off doing a business plan. Your disgruntled family, your
meager bank account, and your (working) retirement years could be daily
long-term reminders of a poor decision.
2.
Find Land: Look for suitable land to purchase or lease. Consider the
location, soil quality, past use history, access to water sources, and
zoning restrictions. Florida’s sandy soils and dry winters can be a
challenge for growing forage to feed your herd. Attend UF/IFAS Extension
training offered through South Florida Beef Forage program,
https://sfbfp.ifas.ufl.edu/index.shtml, and use
evidence-based resources that address winter supplementation, forage
management, herd health and other cattle management topics.
3. Build Facilities and get equipment:
Construct the necessary facilities for your ranch, including barns, fencing,
watering systems, and cow pens for handling cattle for health treatments and
for sorting. This will require working with contractors and obtaining
necessary permits. Plan well. Be creative. Share facilities and equipment
with like-minded ranchers. Not everyone needs a squeeze chute or a livestock
trailer, especially at start up.
4. Purchase Livestock: Select the
appropriate breeds that are well-suited for Florida's climate and for your
purpose. Purchase healthy reputable stock. You get what you pay for, like
most instances in your life.
5. Plan for how work will get done: Will
you or your family do it all or will you need to hire day workers when
needed? Make sure time demands and employment legal issues are planned in
advance. Make sure the ‘who will do the work?’ question is answered and that
your spouse, children, 3rd cousin or neighbor agree if their name appears on
the list.
6. Market Your Products: Develop a
marketing plan for your animals or your meat products. Make sure processing
facilities are available if you want to sell value-added products. Determine
if you will sell to institutions or direct to consumer. Understand FDACS
regulations. How will you establish connections and develop a brand and
reputation? Sales and Marketing take time and money and social skills. Who
on your team has these skill sets?
7.
Be a continuous learner. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and
educational programs to stay up-to-date. Continue to consult with those
Extension specialists, consultants and experienced ranchers mentioned in
paragraph one. Attend the upcoming Small Farm Start-up School beginning on
May 24th in Sarasota. Most sessions are virtual.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-startup-school-tickets-528654890007
SWFL Small Farm
Start-up School, 8-week series starting May 24th.
Starting a ranch in Florida can be a rewarding
but challenging venture. It is important to do your research, plan
carefully, and be prepared for hard work and setbacks. A horse is optional
but might be part of the appeal and the lifestyle you covet. Inspecting a
herd of cow-calf pairs at sundown while perched on a well-worn saddle on
your trusty horse can be one of life’s precious moments. Just make sure the
horse was in the budget.
ChatGPT, personal communication, May 5, 2023, AI
was used as a tool in the creation of this blog, with the author’s research,
experience, editing, and expertise forming the foundation of its content.