Why did most ranchers in the 1800s have small herds and few employees?

Most ranchers in the 1800s had small herds and few employees due to limited resources, including land and capital, which restricted their ability to scale operations. Additionally, the challenges of transportation and market access made it difficult to manage large herds profitably. Many ranchers focused on subsistence farming and maintaining manageable herds to ensure sustainability and minimize risks associated with harsh weather and disease. This approach allowed them to maintain a stable livelihood in a rapidly changing economic landscape.