John, 'cattleman' here in western Canada includes the guy who made his money in construction, computers, motels, etc., who buys a ranch which is run by a hired resident manager (sometimes referred to as a cowman). The 'spread' (seldom more than a couple of sections with attached grazing rights in the adjacent forest 'reserve') is stocked with part beef cattle and a few pricy purebreds. He builds a big wickiup on the windiest hill on his property (but which is above all his neighbors). He has a few good horses, but might ask the hands to use all-terrain vehicles rather than horses (contributing to line-ups at emergency wards and the disturbance of nesting animals).
Once a year he hosts a branding, worked by his cowman and hands and cowboys from nearby ranches, experienced ropers and branders, who are invited to the do. At the branding, guests are invited to assist by holding down calves, injecting vaccines, applying germ-killer (yes, the calves acquire ear tags at the same time) or just getting in the way.
When the branding is done, everyone fills up on food and those still sober get drunk. Tables are set up with food and liquor on the porch (veranda) and everyone gets tanked. Guests retire with their plates to the house, but the cowmen eat and drink outside.
The manager generally stays sober- for obvious reasons.

OK, there are still cattle ranches here, some up to 40 sections or more (the owners usually refer to themselves as ranchers, perhaps a difference from the States), but the only time you hear about them is when some calamity befalls.

Which reminds me, is the term 'ranche' (singular) used anywhere in the States? English expatriates or remittance men who went into cattle here many years ago sometimes spelled it that way.