Commonly found on many of the less developed and agricultural planets throughout the galaxy, a ranch is a large open area with a variety of structures, such as residence halls, creature shelters, taming pits, and corrals. They are typically used for livestock-raising and feed production.

Forms of livestock typically found on ranches include the nerf and the shaak, both of which are frequently raised for food. Another common sight, the cu-pa, is also edible, but is more often bred for its brightly coloured fur and as a mount. The dream of most ranch owners is to participate in the Coruscant Livestock Exchange and Exhibition. The well-publicized event gives them the opportunity to show-off their animal rearing abilities and, perhaps, strike a few deals with other breeders.

Some ranches also turn to tourism as a side income by offering sentients a chance to avoid the technology filled galaxy and 'get back to nature.' Popular activities for visitors include nerf-herding, jakobeast milking and cu-pa trekking. As ranch holidays began to catch on, many proprietors began developing more luxurious accommodation to cater for the wealthier clientele. The available diversions have also tended to follow galactic fashion trends, with a self-made coat of cu-pa fur brought back from a week-long sojourn 'in the wild' being a major fashion statement amongst certain sections of high-society. Some ranches have developed their tourism activities so much that they barely resemble their humble agricultural beginnings with feed storage being replaced by bath houses and staff administering therapeutic and cosmetic treatments rather than branding livestock.