A ranch is a subtype of farm that is primarily used for raising grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep. Ranches generally consist of large areas, but may be of nearly any size. Ranchers spend most of their time tending to their livestock, and breeding, raising, and selling livestock is the primary purpose of a ranch. If the ranch includes arable or irrigated land, it may also engage in a limited amount of farming, raising crops for feeding the animals, such as hay and feed grains. Ranches that cater exclusively to tourists are called guest ranches or "dude ranches".
The terms "ranch" and "farm" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. A farm is any land that is cultivated in some way to produce goods, and can be on a small scale, such as a sustenance farm, or a full-blown industrialized dairy farm. Farms can be used for producing crops, raising animals, or providing services. Ranches, on the other hand, are primarily used for raising grazing livestock for meat, and may have a small farm or garden on the property, but it is not the primary focus.
In summary, a ranch is a type of farm that is primarily used for raising grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, while a farm can be used for producing crops, raising animals, or providing services.
