Crossword Genius

Managed church estate in the country (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ranch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'estate in the country' is the definition.
'ranch' can be an answer for 'estate' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'in the country' bit.

'managed church' is the wordplay.
'managed' becomes 'ran' (I've seen this before).
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'ran'+'ch'='RANCH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ranch that I've seen before include "Agricultural business" , "US establishment for livestock" , "Large farm rearing particular livestock" , "Farm on a large scale" , "tear for a poet" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app