Ranch facts for kids

A ranch is a very big farm where people raise animals. These animals are often cows, horses, sheep, or other livestock. The word ranch comes from the Spanish word "rancho." People use this word mainly in American and Canadian English.

Ranches can be on land owned by a person or by the government. Many ranches are found in the desert areas of the western United States. This is because there is a lot of land there that is not good for growing crops. You can also find many ranches in the desert parts of Australia. There, they are called stations. A person who looks after the animals on a ranch might be called a stockman or a cowboy.

What is a Ranch?

A ranch is a special kind of farm. Its main purpose is to raise animals. These animals are usually livestock, which means animals kept for food or other products. Common ranch animals include cows, horses, and sheep.

The word "ranch" has a cool history. It comes from the Spanish word "rancho." This word became popular in places like the United States and Canada.

Where are Ranches Found?

Ranches can be on different types of land. Some are on private land, which means someone owns it. Others are on public land, which is owned by the government.

You will find many ranches in the desert areas of the western United States. This land is often dry and not good for growing plants like corn or wheat. But it is perfect for animals to roam. In Australia, similar big farms are called "stations."

Who Works on a Ranch?

People who work on ranches have important jobs. They take care of the animals every day. A person who looks after the livestock is often called a stockman. In North America, they are also known as cowboys.

Cowboys and stockmen make sure the animals are healthy. They also move them to different pastures for grazing. This job often involves riding horses to manage the herds.

Images for kids

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  View of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch near Deer Lodge, Montana.

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  Aike Ranch, El Calafate

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  Frijole Ranch (c. 1876) is part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas, United States

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  A rancho in Jalisco.

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  The historic 101 Ranch in Oklahoma showing the ranchhouse, corrals, and out-buildings.

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  An 1898 photochrom of a round-up in or near the town of Cimarron, Colorado.

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  Cattle near the Bruneau River in Elko County, Nevada

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  The severe winter of 1886–87 brought an end to the open range. Waiting for a Chinook, by C.M. Russell.

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  Cattle in a dehesa in Bollullos Par del Condado, Spain.

See also

In Spanish: Rancho (finca) para niños