What To Look For In A Ranch Manager
It is estimated that between 2020 and 2030, $500 billion worth of ranch properties will change hands in the western US. This creates an unprecedented demand for ranch managers. Competition for qualified individuals and employee couples has always been hot and the challenge will only become greater. If you are fortunate enough to find such a person, it will not be by chance!
Ranch Management Services
Your property is unique. You might need caretakers who can do it all. You might need a foreman who can run a crew in your direction. Or you might need a true manager who can provide you with comprehensive care for your agricultural operation. Add to this, a trusted employee who excels at communication and who will expertly anticipate the needs of your family and guests.
There are three ways to find a manager. First, a ranch might come with a local worker who wishes to remain. Or you can begin your search in the help wanted ads. Either of these options can work. But, to really know that you have gained the most from your hire, a third option should be considered. Heartland Estate Staffing recruits are ranch professionals with many years of experience across the ranching west. As ranch management consultants, they excel at assessing the needs of a ranch and understanding the expectations of the ranch’s owner. They work full-time in the ranching industry, and they are aware of quality candidates, the availability of those candidates, and which ones would be a good fit for you.
Look for balance in a ranch manager candidate. The list of “doing” skills in ranching is long and every ranch is different, so make sure you know the particular knowledge and abilities a candidate must have for your ranch. Equally important are information skills, such as budgeting, record keeping, and researching the best methods. Most of all, find a candidate with personal comportment and a mature communication style. You might be spending a lot of time with this person, so a pleasant and professional demeanor is necessary.
How To Find a Ranch Manager
Plan to spend more time than you expect visiting with a candidate’s references and then meeting with the candidate on your property. A ranch placement professional can be a tremendous help in facilitating this part of the process. We are here to represent you, your interests, and the interests of the ranch manager candidate. Our priority is always: a good fit. Are you ready to give Heartland Estate Staffing a try to find your next great ranch manager?
Dan Leahy
Dan helped our family work together to take the cloudy dream of ranch ownership and distill it to a plan that all tied together. He helped us make decisions to meet our family goals and understand the inherent tradeoffs with each choice. The breadth of Dan's ranch experience combined with his people perceptions have kept us working with Dan periodically in the execution of our plan over a long time. We have been at it for five years now. Dan asks questions and LISTENS. His questions helped us make our own decisions. He truly appreciates the unique formula in every successful ranch: land, water, animals... and most especially people.” -Ranch owning family in northwest Wyoming