Farmworker

Work description

We have a commercial cow/calf operation consisting of approximately 130 head. In Northwest North Dakota, our commercial cattle spend May 1-October 31 in our summer pastures. Approximately November 1st, our cattle are moved to the farm/ranch for confinement during the months of November-April. In November we start feeding hay and grain daily. Also during that time is when we give the cattle vaccines and pregnancy checks. Through November and December, we haul our hay to the farm/ranch for the cattle from the hay fields. Feed (grain mixture) needs to be hauled to the farm/ranch as well. During the time of confinement, the cattle's health is carefully monitored. Because of our adverse weather, duties would also include snow removal from the confinement areas and sheds, where the equipment used for feeding is stored. Also, the cattle drink out of heated cattle waterers so they have to be carefully monitored daily to make sure they are not frozen and are working. All corrals used for the confinement area need to be checked and maintained daily. Any equipment used (i.e. tractors, bale processors, snow removal equipment etc.) needs to be maintained and serviced regularly. Starting February 15th, the cows would have to be monitored closely for the calving season which starts March 1st. At that time, the cows are checked several times a day (and night) for any signs of stress to a cow that is calving. Also the barns are prepared by setting up portable pens for the cows with their calves. Once the cows start having their calves, they are put into barns to prevent the calves from freezing when they are born. Newborn calves are processed when they are born which includes shots, tagged and castrated. They are then moved out of confinement into summer pastures. At which point no further seasonal employees are needed since the cattle do not need much care. Employee will complete general farm duties as assigned. Employee will need to complete routine repairs and maintenance on equipment.