Ready to start ranching? You likely already know there are many aspects to consider. Everyone has their own strategy, so it’s important to look at the options and decide what will work best for you and your operation. We’ve got some reminders for you today that we practice ourselves with our work at Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch. We look to bring our customers quality grass-fed beef year after year. Take it from us and our experience, and check out some tips below for a profitable ranch. 

  1. Choose a breed of cattle. This may be a no-brainer for some, but you wouldn’t want to purchase cattle for Central Florida climates that are bred to live in the North. Consider cross-breeding for diversification. Research industry trends, both nationally and locally, to get more insight on what will be popular in years to come. 
  2. Take care of your land. While the cows might seem like the most important aspect of the operation, they can’t function without good land and food. With grass-fed cattle, the land is their food, meaning you should pay even closer attention to how you utilize it. Choose the right grass, remember to rotate pastures, do soil level checks, and have proper drainage systems in place. 
  3. Develop a business plan. Decide now how you will keep track of day-to-day expenses. Hire an accountant, and utilize them well. Hire a marketing team; your beef won’t sell itself! You’ll need a bank account and appropriate business licenses. What’s your one-year goal, your five-year goal, and so on? If things don’t go well, have a contingency plan, and decide now the measures you will take to save the business. 
  4. Don’t stop learning! We’ve been in the business for generations, but there’s so much more to learn. Every year ranchers get together and swap knowledge, and new information and research is shared by experts and scientists. Use all these resources to your advantage. The world is your oyster!

Beginning to sell cattle or beef, whether your operation is big or small, can be a huge undertaking. At Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch, we’re excited to welcome you into the rancher family. We hope these tips lead you to success and result in profitable operations year after year.  Visit our website to contact us.