Entry Level Agricultural Economics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Feed Foreman – Stratford Feedyard

Location: Stratford, Texas

Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried | Entry-Level

About the Opportunity:

Cactus Feeders is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Feed Foreman at Stratford Feedyard.

The Feed Foreman is an entry-level position that plays an important role in the daily success of our feedyard operations. Working under the direction of the Feed Delivery Manager, you'll help monitor cattle feed intake, coordinate daily feed delivery activities, supervise feed truck operations, and support employee training, safety, and operational efficiency.

All Feed Foremen participate in a structured rotational training program through the Feed Delivery, Cattle, Feedmill, and Yard Repair & Maintenance departments. Most foremen complete the rotations over approximately two years, gaining a broad understanding of feedyard operations and how each department contributes to the overall success of the company.

Throughout the program, managers provide coaching, mentorship, and regular feedback to help foremen build their technical knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills, and identify the department that best aligns with their interests, aptitudes, and strengths.

About the Company:

Founded in 1975, Cactus Feeders is a legacy cattle feeder with 50+ years of commitment to animal care, operational excellence, and employee development. Today, we operate 15 feedyards and outside cattle locations across the Texas Panhandle, Southwest Kansas, and Eastern Colorado, producing more than one million head of fed cattle annually.

As an employee-owned company, we're committed to investing in our employees through hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluate cattle behavior, feed intake, bunk conditions, weather, and cattle performance to determine daily feed requirements.
• Coordinate feed delivery schedules with hay delivery, cattle receiving, and shipping activities.
• Supervise the daily activities of the feed truck crew to ensure feed is delivered accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• Monitor feed quality, ration accuracy, and department productivity.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance for feed trucks, scales, feeding systems, and related equipment.
• Assist with new employee orientation, training, and daily coaching of Feed Delivery employees.
• Support the Feed Delivery Manager with employee scheduling, performance reviews, and day-to-day department operations.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and the responsible use of equipment, labor, and other resources.
• Promote safe work practices and reinforce animal husbandry standards throughout daily operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Ranch Management, or another agriculture-related field.
• Prior experience in one or more livestock production sectors, including cow-calf, stocker, feedyard, or related agricultural operations.
• Equivalent agricultural experience demonstrating knowledge of cattle production and a desire to build a career in the cattle feeding industry will also be considered.

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate

• A strong work ethic and self-starter mentality.
• Sound judgment and the ability to make thoughtful decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• A genuine interest in livestock production and a commitment to animal care and welfare.
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Dependability, accountability, and a commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.
• A willingness to learn from experienced employees while contributing to the success of the team.

Schedule:

• Full-time, salaried position.
• Monday through Friday, with extended hours during peak production periods.
• Rotational weekend and holiday responsibilities as needed to support livestock care.

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on qualifications, skills, and experience.
• Bi-weekly pay with direct deposit.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% Paid Retirement through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Continuing education scholarship opportunities.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Cactus Feeders is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.