The dictionary definition of ranching is " the raising of livestock, either cattle, horses, or sheep."  

In Lyman County, South Dakota, livestock means cattle.

Calving: Most of the calves are born during March or April.  This has come to be known as "calving season".  The farmer is very attached to his farm during this time. He has to take very special care so the calves don’t die in the cold weather or from a difficult birth.

Feeding the livestock: Cows and bulls are fed a mixture of ground hay, and a filler, usually silage. The calves from the previous calving season are fed the same thing with corn for them to get fat. The livestock are fed with a medium- size tractor pulling a feed wagon. Most ranchers feed their livestock in the morning, but if you have a lot of livestock you usually have to feed all day. 

"Working" the livestock: This is a process  that takes about 3-5 people. Each animal is put through a chute, a long narrow path way, to a head gate. You lock the cow's head in front of it so it cannot move backwards or forwards. Then one person gives it a series of shots. These shots help reduce the risk of pink eye, pneumonia, anthrax black leg, and other infections and diseases.  In the fall, they treat the cows and calves for worms and lice.  Livestock are worked two or three times each year. 

Late in the fall, cattle are checked for pregnancy. "Open" cows are then sold.   

Selling the livestock: In the Spring ranchers sell almost all their calves to a local sale barn. Then with the money they receive, they are able to pay bills and buy more cows and bulls. This is how the ranch can grow.