Cow/Calf Operations Manager

Ideal, SD

Full-Time

Worksite: 31250 265th St, Ideal, SD, 57541, US

Originally posted: 2026-09-14

Employment classification: FULL TIME

The Cow/Calf Operations Manager leads day-to-day management of JLC’s 700–800 head cow/calf operation, including an off-site calving facility, the annual breeding program, summer grazing, and fall herd health work.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Cow/Calf Operations Manager leads day-to-day management of JLC’s 700–800 head cow/calf operation, including an off-site calving facility, the annual breeding program, summer grazing, and fall herd health work. This position requires hands-on livestock experience, strong crew leadership, and the flexibility to manage a demanding year-round workload.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive calving and breeding experience

• Knowledge of artificial insemination and embryo transfer processes

• Extensive knowledge of general livestock and herd health

• Fencing and pasture management experience

LEADERSHIP

• Participate in monthly leadership/management meetings

• Delegate tasks and manage a 6–8 person calving crew

• Experience managing teams

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and operate the 700–800 head calving facility, including barn and pen prep, crew management, and sorting cows/pairs into groups

• Oversee the 200–400 head off-site calving facility, including herd health, winter rations, and feed calls

• Schedule, manage, and execute calf processing

• Prepare and operate the breeding facility; assist with the 2,200 head breeding program, including synchronization, AI, and ET of 1,000–1,200 head at JLC and offsite herds

• Manage cow/calf herd health year-round

• Organize ultrasounding of the cow herd

• Create and execute a 5–6 month rotational grazing plan

• Fit and maintain eShepherd collars; deliver mineral weekly

• Prepare and maintain summer and fall pastures, fences, and water tanks

• Organize turnout and haul cow/calf pairs to grass

• Prepare weaning pens and organize weaning

• Manage rations and bunk for weaned calves and replacement heifers

• Move and process/cake cow groups for fall and winter grazing as needed

• Relocate cows back to calving facilities; administer pre-calving shots and collect fecal samples

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hourly, full-time, in-person position

• 100% employer-paid health insurance with $2,600 annual HSA contribution

• 3% IRA match

• $1,200 annual vehicle reimbursement, plus fuel provided

• Lunch provided Monday–Friday