What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cattle Herdsman/Row Crop Manager position at Shepherd's Hill Charolais?
Full Time Cattle Herdsman/Row Crop Manager
You will be responsible for the daily management of the Shepherd’s Hill Land & Cattle cowherd and other operational activities related to farm, row crop and beef operations.
Requirements:
\tHigh School diploma and 3 years related experience
\tValid driver’s license (CDL preferred and may be required within one year of employment)
\tAbility to lift and carry 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally
\tBasic cattle management skills (nutrition, calving, breeding, herd health)
\tBasic cattle breeding knowledge (Pedigrees, EPDs, performance testing)
\tBasic equipment skills including tractors, skid loaders, trucks with trailers, ATVs, baler, rake, manure spreader
\tAvailable to work off hours as is typically required with cattle operations
Detailed Description:
Daily management of cow herd
Feeding – Routine feeding of grain, forages and supplements
Calving – routine observation and assistance, calf processing, related records
Breeding – heat detection, A.I., donor preparation, recipient preparation, related records
Herd Health – Perform routine herd health procedures including vaccinations, deworming, fly control, tagging and tattooing. Diagnose and treat routine health problems such as pink eye, foot rot, scours, respiratory problems, minor injuries and lameness. Work with veterinarian on more serious problems and routine herd testing. Keep all related health records.
Lead and manage all hay making throughout season – mowing, raking, baling, hauling and storing
Data collection – related to cattle evaluation
Pasture management: rotational grazing, pasture clipping, spraying, fertilizing, fixing fence
Facility upkeep: bedding, hauling manure, high pressure washing, mowing, weeding
Assist with marketing – prepare cattle for photographs, sales and exhibitions – clipping, fitting, breaking calves. Delivery of cattle to possible shows and care while there, ex. Iowa Beef Expo, Des Moines.
Interact with customers and potential customers
Deliver animals to sales and customers
Supervise part time or seasonal employees
Coordinate activities with other employees
Any other activities related to farm or beef operations
Row Crop Operation
\tAssist with fieldwork, planting, checking crops, etc. in both Henry and Adair Counties
Special Projects
\tAssist with construction and finishing new buildings, facilities, farm layout. Construction experience required.
Of note…
The ability to work independently and communicate effectively is of the utmost importance. You will be working on your own a large portion of the time.
The job is mostly outdoors – when it is hot, it’s hot, when it’s cold, it’s cold and when it’s rainy it’s muddy, therefore a good attitude is a must. The weather is out of your control, but your attitude is within your control.
Integrity, honesty and good character are a must. Background checks are required for the job.
Farm work is hard work, but it is rewarding work. Please give us your best and we will do our best to provide you with a good, fair, rewarding work atmosphere.
Organization: will report to Greg Shepherd
Compensation: Wage starting at $24/hour, paid every 2 weeks depending on education and experience, 10 days of vacation, most holidays and 1/4 of a beef.
Starting date: May 1, 2026 - depending on availability of successful applicant.
Application process: Send resume and one reference to Greg and Aimee Shepherd by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION.
Applications will be reviewed beginning 3/28/2026 as received until successful applicant is hired.