Differences Between Farms and Ranches
A ranch refers to a specific type of farm that focuses on raising and herding hooved animals, typically cattle or sheep. While farms can maintain both crops and animals, ranches only raise livestock. The primary distinction between the two is their output; farms produce a mix of crops and animal products, whereas ranches concentrate solely on livestock.
Ranchers spend the majority of their time riding around, tending to their livestock. Although ranches might have a small farm or garden, it is not the primary focus. Both farmers and ranchers work tirelessly to maintain their land and investing in either can offer significant long-term financial and lifestyle benefits.
According to the USDA, approximately 40% of land in the U.S., amounting to over 900 million acres, is classified as farmland. There are over 2 million farms, with an average size exceeding 400 acres each.
The Scale of Ranches
When it comes to ranches that specialize in beef cattle operations, a farm is typically considered a ranch once it reaches around 440 acres. Small family farms are often regarded as small ranches when they have about 200 acres of land.
In the U.S., the average farm is larger than a ranch and usually focused on raising crops. However, ranches are concentrated on raising grazing animals like cows and are often run as lifestyle operations. Farms tend to have a commercial purpose, while ranches may sell products directly to local markets or through farmers’ markets.
The number of acres required for a farm to be considered a ranch can vary based on location, but generally, a significant amount of land is dedicated to the endeavor, with some larger ranches encompassing approximately 2000 acres available for purchase.