Ranch manager roulette: Finding your winning hand

• Ranch manager roulette: Finding your winning hand

O wning a ranch is a dream for many, offering an escape from city life to the tranquility of open pastures. However, the reality of ranch ownership, especially for absentee owners, requires careful consideration. Before taking the plunge as an aspiring ranch owner, you must ask yourself one crucial question: Can you manage the property alone?

Absentee owners often face the delicate balance of urban obligations and their rural escapes. This dynamic is a familiar sight in my role as a ranch realtor in Bosque County. It’s not uncommon for aspiring owners to realize that running a ranch demands more attention than they initially anticipated. However, this realization shouldn’t deter you if you’re considering buying. Instead, it underscores the importance of comprehending the responsibilities involved. Understanding the operational demands of ranch life enables you to determine the scale of property that suits your needs and circumstances.

I strongly advise prospective ranch buyers to thoughtfully contemplate their goals for ranch ownership. Do you want a recreational property for you and your family to enjoy? Maybe grow trophy whitetail and exotics? Build your dream home and retire on the ranch? Or perhaps a blend of these objectives and more. Regardless of the goals, it’s paramount to grasp the necessary steps for establishing and maintaining the operation successfully. Additionally, one must carefully consider the ongoing upkeep and management of the ranch, especially in your absence.

A competent ranch manager serves as the linchpin between your envisioned retreat and the practicalities of ongoing ranch life. If you will be a ranch owner who visits sporadically, whether on weekends or occasionally throughout the month, oversight can be very important. From routine house maintenance tasks to unforeseen repairs and livestock care, issues will inevitably arise on the ranch. Having someone readily available to address these matters is incredibly convenient. There’s nothing more frustrating than returning to the ranch after being gone, eagerly anticipating a holiday with family, only to be greeted with a busted water pipe and a flooded home!

If you determine that hiring a ranch manager is necessary for your circumstances, there are several critical considerations to take into account. Trust, confidentiality, integrity, and the appropriate qualifications rank among the most important, in my opinion. It’s worth noting that while college degrees hold value, extensive practical experience spanning many years can sometimes outweigh formal education. This shouldn’t be overlooked.

The manager will inevitably be exposed to family matters and personal conversations, which may extend to discussions about your business and finances. It’s essential to ensure that they are trustworthy and will maintain the confidentiality of your personal life and financial affairs, protecting your privacy and interests.

One significant advantage of having a ranch manager is their on-site presence, enabling them to promptly address any issues that arise. Therefore, it’s customary to provide suitable housing for the manager. Typically, the salary reflects this benefit, and negotiations may include additional considerations such as covering electricity, a work truck, a cell phone, and other expenses. The specifics of what the owner provides are subject to individual discretion.

It’s worth mentioning that there are companies that offer ranch management services, essentially acting as a ranch manager for you and others in the area. They provide regular reports on any issues and offer weekly updates on ranch activities while you’re away. Typically, these companies don’t reside on the property and carry out only the work you deem necessary for them. I’m familiar with a few businesses in Bosque County that offer such services. Feel free to reach out, and I’d be glad to provide you with their contact information.

In conclusion, owning a ranch is not just about fulfilling a dream but also about managing the reality of day-to-day operations and financial commitments. Some ranch owners will find that they do not need a ranch manager and can care for the ranch just fine by themselves; others may find that it is too much to juggle alone. Whichever category you choose, give it the careful consideration that you and your investment truly deserve.

Sheldon Wellborn is a realtor with Ranch Connection, out of Fort Worth, specializing in ranch sales and acquisitions. He has lived in Bosque County his entire life and after graduating from Tarleton State University he managed the 4,000-acre Bison Run Ranch in Walnut Springs. He takes great pride in helping clients carve out their unique piece of Texas.