Power of

Teaching Points

Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with tools of all kinds are valuable skills to keep up and repair machinery needed. Managing a buffalo herd is very similar to managing cattle, with the difference that buffalo are always wild animals.

 

It is important to have a love for the outdoors, a love for animals, knowledge of range plants and pasture rotation as well as ruminant nutrition to be successful at this job. This industry is being transformed by the implementation of science and technology in almost every phase of the process. For example, branding and vaccinating of herds are largely mechanized in cattle operations. The use of trucks, portable communications gear, and global positioning equipment now is common and saves valuable time for ranchers and other herd managers.

 

On livestock-producing farms and ranches, work goes on throughout the year. Animals need to be fed and watered daily unless they are grazing. Many livestock managers monitor and attend to the health of their herds, which may include assisting in the birthing of animals.

 

Most herd managers receive their training on the job, often by being raised on a ranch or farm. However, the completion of a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree at a college of agriculture is becoming increasingly important for those who expect to make a living at ranching or managing herds. Those new to field often spend time working under an experienced rancher to learn how to apply the skills learned through academic training. Those without academic training often take many years to learn how feeding and take care of animals.

 

 

Suggested Reading

1. Thunder on the Plains: The Story of the American Buffalo, Ken Robbins.  2009. Grade Level:  2-5.

2. Grandfather Buffalo, Jim Arnosky.  2014. Grade Level 1-5.

3. Buffalo Jones: The Man Who Saved America’s Bison, Carol A. Winn. 2000.  Grade Level: 3-5

4. Buffalo for the Broken Heart: Restoring Life to a Black Hills Ranch, Dan O’Brien.  2002. Grade Level:  3-up

5. The Buffalo Soldier.  Sherry Garland.  2006. Grade Level: 3

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Career Web Links 

1. U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook: Agricultural Manager

2. The Heart of the Lakota: The Buffalo

3. National Geographic American Bison Story

4. National FFA Organization. Student-based organization with scholarships and educational opportunities for individuals interested in farming.

5. Buffalo in South Dakota Lesson Plans

6. Bison Behavior and Management