Most ranches are family operated; larger ranches hire full-time and seasonal workers to help. Livestock ranchers own or rent the land on which they breed, raise and sell animals. Products vary for each ranch depending on the geographic location, climate and space available. Cattle, pigs and poultry are a few of the animals raised for food. Sheep and goats are raised for wool and dairy products.
The salaries of ranchers are directly linked to the success of the ranch, and they fluctuate depending on the weather, variations in feed prices and the market value of animal products. Livestock ranchers work year-round and are often unable to take vacations. In some areas where ranching is a common lifestyle, neighbors help each other with certain larger tasks like cattle branding and moving, or assist when emergencies such as wildfires occur.