Most people automatically connect the word “ranch” with cattle or horses.  However, in places like the desert, raising cattle or horses may be nearly impossible.  After all, it takes a lot of water and vegetation supply to keep this type of a ranch in operation.  But it seems there are individuals who love the desert area, would love a working ranch, so they find other means in order to accomplish their dream.

There are, in fact, certain desert areas that do have cattle ranches or “dude” ranches; but they are few and far between.  The reason for this is the climate.  Unless a great location is found near a water source that will accommodate the needs of a working ranch, many livestock, cattle especially, will not survive with the desert climate and vegetation.

Those individuals inspired to fulfill their dreams have found other animal sources to accommodate the ranch.  It is not uncommon to find a desert ranch known for breeding purebred dogs, purebred and hybrid goats, or even purebred pigs!  These purebred animals are raised for resale to other farmers, for show, and obviously for their main source of income.  Water and vegetation are still very much needed, but are of smaller concern for these types of animals versus the needs of the cattle and horses.  These particular animals are not considered the grazing type that need lots of open grassland and irrigation.

There are also desert ranches that specialize in raising exotic animals, many of which are sold to performers such as Siegfried and Roy.  Because these are individual animals, rather than herds of animals, it much easier to raise them in this type of ecological setting.