Running and preserving your Texas ranch is never an easy job especially in the busy time of the year– regardless of whether you own a hunting ranch, recreational or cattle ranch, it could be a permanent job.
If you are a ranch owner within Texas, I guess you already know that it won’t be easy to pull off. You’re faced with fence and barn construction, equipment maintenance, bookkeeping, grazing management, feedings, etc.
Meanwhile, as a professional real estate expert who has seen it all when it comes to buying and selling of land in the Texas region, it is my duty to make your life easier by letting you in on some pointers which will guide you and show you how to do maintenance on your Texas Ranch.
Let’s start by taking a look at some of the key steps you will have to take as a ranch owner in Texas. Note that this is not a widespread list, however, it will show you the ropes to ensure that you understand what it‘s like to be the owner of a Texas ranch property
Things To Do To Preserve Your Texas Ranch
Bookkeeping
This is one of the most important areas of managing a ranch property and honestly, it can be boring at times. Bookkeeping is beyond the paperwork your accountant comes to collect from you, it has to do with the health of your livestock, breeding, sale and purchase records, calving, staffing, and machinery.
If your ranch is into cattle, there are several bookkeeping programs readily available like CowProfit$ and CattleMax that can assist you in managing everything and ensure they are all in one place.
Maintaining Your Building and Fences
While buildings naturally require less attention compared to fences, you will need to have an eye for detail to notice what is broken on your ranch. As a matter of fact, this is one of the fundamental components you must understand when learning how to do maintenance on your Texas ranch.
Pasture fencing and Perimeter need to be looked at regularly, if you discover any weak spots, you’ll need to fix it as soon as possible. In some regions, if your livestock strays away from the pack and causes damage to someone’s property, you could be held liable which is why this phase is very important.
Equipment Maintenance
In carrying out the day to day activities at a ranch property, the use of equipment cannot be overstated. Whether you want to make hay or produce grain, you need to ensure that your equipment is in good condition. If you have the following in your possession; tractors, ATVs, augers, bale trucks, movers, forage harvesters or tillage machinery, make sure you inspect each of them regularly and replace worn out parts when necessary.
Lastly, on equipment maintenance, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage on your equipment.
Managing The Grazing Operation
If you are into the cattle rearing business, you should manage your grazing setup. Vegetation, Soil and the topography is going to tell you how to manage the grazing schedule on your land. You need to consider the wildlife on your land also.
The Upkeep of Your Animals
Regardless of the species of animals that you have on your ranch, it is vital that you have a working relationship with a local veterinarian in case of emergencies and quarterly inspections of your animals.
These are just a few vital pointers that you will need to master if you want to be a good Texas property ranch owner.
