How to Work on a Ranch in New Mexico
A 2008 report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service found there were about 20,600 farms and ranches in New Mexico with more than 1.5 million head of cattle. Farmers and ranchers alone can't manage caring for all these animals, which is why they hire workers to help them. You can obtain one of these jobs by learning how to work on a ranch in New Mexico.
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Instructions
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Be comfortable working outdoors and around animals. Hired ranch workers spend their days with cows, horses and other large animals. They also must work outside in almost any weather condition as New Mexico can experience hot summer days and snowy winters depending on where in the state the ranch is located.
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Gain experience working on a ranch or farm. While some ranchers will hire beginners, many want someone with experience as this requires less training on their part. You can gain experience by working on local ranches and farms during the summer when they hire extra help to work a short period of time.
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Browse agriculture publications in New Mexico. Some newspapers and magazines that serve New Mexico and surrounding states, such as the High Plains Journal, have a classified section. Ranchers may advertise open positions in these since they target the right demographic.
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Search agricultural websites. Ag Online is one example of a website that posts ranching positions online. While this is a national posting forum, you can sort jobs by state to find the ones available in New Mexico. Sites such as Ag Online also give you the option to post your own ad to advertise your services as a ranch hand to ranch owners.
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Network with ranchers in New Mexico. Ranchers don't always advertise their open positions in newspapers or online. To find work on a ranch in New Mexico, you need to talk or meet ranchers and let them know you're looking for work. You can also network with large animal veterinarians and personnel at feed and ranch stores. They work with ranchers on a regular basis and may know of an opening.
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