Program Summary

ESSENTIAL RANCHING SKILLS - Certificate of Completion

2024 - 2025

The Essential Ranching Skills program offers workforce preparation skills to students seeking employability in ranching related industries.

Career Opportunities
Ranching related industries need employees who are knowledgeable about horses, cattle, sheep and goats and who are capable of taking care of the facilities that house them. This is particularly true today when many of those purchasing ranches are coming to the industry after successful careers elsewhere and need knowledgeable workers. These owners can pay at a slightly higher range than has been traditionally associated with agricultural work. Currently there are at least a dozen jobs advertised locally for those with ranching or horse handling and maintenance skills with starting wages between $18 and $25 per hour and benefits and vacations provided.
Students must complete 4 of the 5 available courses to receive a certificate.
Total Hours: 72.0-432.0
VOCE 565A
INTRODUCTION TO FARM MAINTENANCE
18.0-108.0
VOCE 565B
INTRODUCTION TO LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION AND HANDLING
18.0-108.0
VOCE 565C
INTRODUCTION TO LAND USE PLANNING AND GRAZING
18.0-108.0
VOCE 565D
INTRODUCTION TO LIVESTOCK HEALTH
18.0-108.0
VOCE 565E
INTRODUCTION TO RANCH/TARGETED GRAZING BUSINESS
18.0-108.0
Total: 72.0-432.0
Program Outcomes
Identify the components of and create a business plan for a viable ranching, livestock facility, equine facility, or targeted grazing business.
Students will create a five-year financial plan for their chosen enterprise. It will contain accurate financial estimates for all areas of the business.
Describe various livestock species anatomy and physiology using correct terminology.
Students will identify two common illnesses or injuries in each species and write a summary and analysis of each illness or injury and a recommended treatment using correct anatomical terminology for each type of animal.
Examine and analyze land use planning regulations as they relate to agricultural operations.
Students will identify two properties and outline the land use restrictions and allowable uses.
Analyze and explain how to care for livestock while demonstrating sustainable environmental conditions.
Students will analyze various types of animal housing and demonstrate correct and safe methods of animal care and handling.
Analyze and demonstrate basic construction and maintenance of various livestock animal facilities while caring for livestock.
Students will identify two maintenance issues and write a summary and analysis of each issue.
Demonstrate knowledge of general safety procedures and sustainable environmental practices of various livestock facilities.
Students will analyze various types of animal housing and demonstrate correct and safe methods of construction and maintenance.