Resources for Beginning Ranchers

NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Dept of Agriculture)

If you're interested in ranching, the most commonly cited resource recommended to beginning ranchers is NRCS. 

NRCS has some great programs but in order to be eligible, ranchers must already be in production, which means you must: 

  • have a perimeter fence installed
  • have livestock on the land

Once you're in operation, the most popular program for ranchers is Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

EQIP can assist ranchers that need cross fences, water infrastructure, and grazing management. Visit the link above to learn how to get started with NRCS.

State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity

Hawaii State DAB has a webpage dedicated to agriculture resources, including information on Hawaii-specific research and funding sources. Visit the site to learn more.  

National Cattlemen's Beef Association 

NCBA works to encourage the humane treatment of farm animals, the wise stewardship of natural resources and the implementation of good husbandry practices. Find programs, grants, relief, scholarships, internship and educational resources below to help achieve your goals. Visit the site to learn more.  


Implementing a grazing management plan (GMP) helps to inventory resources and provides a roadmap to improved pasture management. Having a GMP is essential to the success, longevity, and profitability of your operation. Download the NCBA GMP workbook HERE. Grazing sticks can be an effective and low-cost tool for producers to use in the grazing management planning process. Utilizing a grazing stick can enable producers to determine the production of their pastures for various types of forages, learn more about using a grazing stick HERE.
The NCBA CattleFax Cull Cow Strategies 2024 resource provides cattle producers with guidance on making timely culling decisions to enhance profitability and animal welfare. It offers strategies for evaluating cull cattle as marketable assets and emphasizes best practices for their management. Use the Right Way. Right Time to make a profitable plan, HERE courtesy of NCBA and CattleFax.
Cattlemen’s College educates on beef product promotion, research, information, and related activities. The Cattlemen's College Online Campus is a portal of online learning opportunities for those interested in beef product promotion, research, information and related activities financed by the beef checkoff and similar market development investment for more information visit the learning center HERE.

Beef Quality Assurance

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, producer-driven program that provides cattle producers with science-based guidelines to ensure the production of safe, wholesome, and high-quality beef. By adopting BQA practices, producers demonstrate a commitment to animal well-being, proper cattle handling, and responsible use of veterinary medication. Participation in BQA enhances consumer confidence by assuring that beef is raised responsibly and meets high standards of quality and safety. It also supports producers in improving herd profitability through better management practices. Visit the site to learn more.  


BQA 2025 Award Winners Compilation

Learn more at HTTPS://WWW.BQA.ORG/ today.

National Beef Quality Audits

The National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) is a comprehensive survey that evaluates beef industry efforts to improve beef quality. Conducted every five years since 1991, the checkoff-funded Audit assesses the progress the industry makes on a variety of production issues that ultimately affect consumer demand for beef.

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Manuals

Formalized training materials and reference guides which support the efforts of all state BQA coordinators to train their beef producers on the topics of BQA.



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Biosecurity Resources

The BQA Biosecurity Resources page offers cattle producers essential tools to develop and implement effective biosecurity plans. These resources are designed to help ranchers safeguard their herds against diseases, ensuring both animal health and the sustainability of their operations.
TEMPLATES & ASSESSMENTS

Booklets designed to help all cattle feeders, stockers, and cow-calf producers benchmark their operations in areas such as animal welfare, cattle handling, record keeping, etc.


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