The open plains were perfect for raising their herds. Life on the ranch was similar to that on a farm. It too took the whole household to take care of the responsibilities of running a ranch. Most live in small log cabins with dirt floors. Unlike farmers, ranchers resided farther away from depots because they could essentially rely on the use of their animals to drive them long distances. There was occasional disputes between farmers and cattleman; herds polluted the land that farmers sought to protect in order to grow crops whereas ranchers needed the land for grazing. Farmer’s also opposed open range and built fences to separate properties. Another difference was that ranchers could live in drier climates in which their land was intended for grazing not growing. The invention of barbed wire made things a little simpler for both the rancher as well as the farmer. Common hardship for both the farmer and rancher was that the livestock was susceptible to