Veebaray (V-BAR-A) Seeks Ranch Manager - Enid, Montana
About: The Veebaray Company (V-A) is a 5th generation family-owned cattle ranch located outside of Enid, MT. Our mission is to raise premium livestock in an economical and environmentally responsible manner for our customers and to build a sustainable business for future generations.
We operate a 600 head cow/calf herd, currently transitioning to a Hereford/ Angus Cross, on16,000 contiguous acres. The Veebaray Ranch utilizes Holistic Management practices in partnership with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and NRCS. The terrain is primarily rangeland that is a varied mix of rolling hills, wooded coulees, draws, and rough outcroppings. The ranch also includes approximately 150 acres of cover crop and another 250 acres of dry cropland that is in the process of being reverted to rangeland with a mix of native grasses. The varied habitat supports healthy populations of upland game birds, mule and whitetail deer, and pronghorn antelope. Occasional elk and moose are also to be found in the more remote portions of the ranch.
The Ranch Manager (RM) is responsible for coordinating all aspects of cow/calf operations utilizing GAP and NHTC practices to meet our customers’ needs. The RM will oversee the care and health of all livestock, livestock grazing and feeding, pasture quality and rotation, water resources, livestock traceability, water pipeline infrastructure and facility maintenance, and associated vendor relationships. The RM reports to the V-A Board of Directors working alongside the Vice President of Operations and employed ranch hand(s).
Primary Responsibilities and Scope:
Assist in the development and management of annual ranch budgets.
Report on weekly and monthly livestock-related activities including but not limited to animal health, weather conditions, facility conditions, and forage and feed consumption.
Continue to transition the cattle operation to a Holistic Management approach, including intensive cell grazing.
Ensure safety and security of all assets including employees, livestock, equipment, forage, and feed inventories.
Maintain and efficiently operate ranch infrastructure including but not limited to wells, pipelines, fencing, and buildings.
Manage ranch employees and interns.
Assist in vendor-related relationships, facilitate paperwork and information flow for sale and purchase of livestock and feed.
Oversee herd grazing rotation and animal handling schedules including calving, branding, and weaning.
Work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Work hours may vary with the possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season and associated work duties.
Maximize breeding rates and weaning rates and minimize the cost of gain and death loss
Attend and participate in Ranching for Profit events and other training as needed.
Skills and Qualifications:
Minimum of five years’ experience in livestock management.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in Holistic Management including intensive cell grazing, soil health, drought mitigation, noxious weed management, and cover crops.
Proficiency with CattleMax and Ranching for Profit training desired.
Practical experience in low-stress livestock practices and utilization of NHTC and GAPprotocols.
Experience with electric fencing/ intensive grazing desired.
Ability to manage and complete diverse tasks independently with respect to timelines and budgets.
BS in Animal Science (or equivalent) preferred.
Good written and verbal communication skills including computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Email, Word, and Excel.
Experience with overseeing the health of livestock including all aspects of animal husbandry and cattle purchases and sales.
Strong desire to be part of a dynamic, entrepreneurial work environment.
Strong organizational abilities, time management skills, people skills, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
Ability to work well independently and under pressure and manage additional employees.
Must live on the ranch and be able to work a variable work schedule, including weekends and holidays as needed.
Must have a valid driver’s license and experience operating various types of farm equipment and machinery including tractors, ATVs, skid steer, etc.
Location: Enid, MT
Job Type: Full-time, Salaried
Salary: $40,000-$65,000 annually. Additional performance bonus based on financial and herd management Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Benefits: Family housing (4BR/2.5BA house built in 2010), Retirement Benefit Options, and beef provided.
Years of Experience Preferred: 5+ Years
To Apply: Interested applicants, please send your resume to careers@veebaray.com