Ranching is a full-time job and requires a lot of dedication. Based on data gathered by Insider, the average American works almost 40 hours a week. However, any rancher will tell you that this is not a reality for them. In fact, ranchers typically work 50.1 hours per week. To put this into perspective, paramedics are working less hours with an average of 49.7. 

It must be noted that a rancher’s weekly working hours can vary greatly from season to season. For example, during the calving season ranchers may work upwards of 60 hours per week.  These kind of working hours are easily clocked up when you’re rising with the sun or working into the night. Furthermore, livestock still need tending to at the weekends and so there is never really a day off for ranchers. The ranching lifestyle does not fit into a 9-5 schedule or even a 5 day work week.

Animals and cattle are unpredictable and may need to be seen to at any time, including the middle of the night! As a result, ranchers are on call 24/7 and have to be ready to come to the animals’ assistance when needed. Calving season can vary from 90 days to 120 days or more. Although some cows birth unassisted, many require the help of a rancher or even a vet. As a result, this can be an exhausting period for ranchers and must be considered when contemplating a career in ranching. 

We can see from the above why people say that ranching is a vocation! Dedication and a passion for ranching is definitely required to survive all those long hours. 

If you have any questions or queries about ranch real estate in Northern California or any of our ranch property listings, do not hesitate to contact us at martinezranchre@gmail.com or by phone, on 530-949-4241.