Cow/Calf Manager

Job Summary

The Cow-Calf Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a cow-calf ranch, ensuring the health and productivity of the herd while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This role manages livestock care, pasture resources, employees, and ranch infrastructure while contributing to financial performance and long-term strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain a safe working environment for employees, livestock, and visitors.
• Ensure all ranch operations follow safety protocols and livestock-handling best practices.
• Train employees on equipment operation, livestock handling, and emergency procedures.
• Monitor facilities, corrals, and equipment to ensure safe operation and proper maintenance.
• Promote low-stress cattle handling techniques to reduce injury risks. (BQA)
• Establish and maintain robust safety programs, including hazard identification, corrective actions, monthly training completions, and incident review.
• Oversee completion of all near miss, recordable and lost time reporting by utilizing the protocol.
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture, holding leaders and employees accountable for safe work practices.

Quality

• Ensure high standards of animal health, welfare, and genetics within the herd.
• Implement herd health programs in coordination with veterinarians.
• Monitor nutrition, pasture quality, and feeding programs with utilization of the feed consultant.
• Oversee calving operations and ensure proper newborn calf care.
• Maintain accurate records for breeding, vaccinations, treatments, and performance.
• Work Orders or Preventative Maintenance should be documented in the program. Verify completion rates and quality of items completed.
• Audits for verification of quality standards will be documented, and continuous improvement initiatives will be conducted.
• Establish and monitor standard operating procedures, performance dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the quality aspects for the feedlot operations
• Ensure the mindset of first-time quality in the work that is completed

Productivity

• Manage breeding, calving, weaning, and herd movement schedules.
• Monitor herd performance indicators such as conception rates, weaning weights, and calf survival.
• Coordinate feeding programs and pasture rotations to maximize efficiency.
• Maintain and improve ranch infrastructure including fencing, water systems, and handling facilities.
• Ensure timely completion of seasonal tasks such as branding, vaccination, and marketing.
• Establish standardized operating procedures, performance dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the productivity of the operation
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and capital improvement of feedlot facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

Teamwork / Collaboration

• Lead and supervise ranch staff, ensuring clear communication and task coordination.
• Collaborate with veterinarians, nutritionists, and consultants.
• Work with ownership or senior management to meet operational goals.
• Promote teamwork and a positive work culture among ranch employees.
• Coordinate with neighboring producers and service providers when needed.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect between locations, departments, and support functions.
• Develop & retain strong relationships with contractors, vendors, and industry partners or purchases and collaboration.
• Collaborating directly with the Farm Manger for harvest, manure, personnel, corn stalks, hay and other essential items for the cow/calf operation.
• Collaborating with the Logistics Manager for trucking needs, and pick up/drop off locations.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing managers and team members.
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations aligned with company values and operational goals.
• Lead succession planning and workforce development to support long-term organizational stability.
• Promote open communication and problem-solving across all levels of the organization.

Financial Planning & Profitability

• Assist with annual ranch budgets and monitor operational costs.
• Track production data and evaluate financial performance of the herd.
• Make cost-effective decisions regarding feed, genetics, culling, equipment, and supplies.
• Lead the strategy with cow/heifer buying and build buyer relationships.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead all fiscal management activities for the Cow/Calf Division, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and auditing.
• Develop and manage capital and operating budgets aligned with strategic priorities.
• Inventory Levels for Feed, Cattle, Supplies, etc. are within standards established by Accounting guidelines
• Approve purchases and capital expenditures up to the established $ amount in accordance with company policy.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on financing strategies, loans, contracts, and vendor partnerships.
• Establish quarterly and annual financial reviews to ensure fiscal integrity and transparency.
• Prepare detailed project proposals with cost analysis, ROI projections, and implementation timelines.

Strategy and Planning

• Partner with the President of Agriculture to define, communicate, and execute the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.
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• Develop and implement long-term herd improvement and genetic strategies.
• Plan grazing systems and pasture management to ensure sustainability.
• Participate in ranch planning related to herd expansion, land use, and infrastructure.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, or management practices that improve operations.
• Support continuous improvement of ranch performance and long-term profitability.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational goals for safety, quality, efficiency, teamwork/collaboration and financial performance across all feedlots.
• Monitor operational effectiveness and community impact of each feedlot location.
• Keep executive leadership informed of operational risks, performance trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Will provide oversight and collaboration with the President of Agriculture on the Cap X improvements for the cow/calf operation.
• Recommend and implement policies that enhance operational consistency, animal care, workforce engagement, and profitability.

Qualifications

• 5-7 Years experience in cow-calf or ranch management.
• Strong knowledge of cattle health, breeding, nutrition, and grazing systems.
• Ability to operate ranch equipment and manage livestock safely.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Record-keeping and basic financial management skills.