Livestock Worker

Work description

SOC 45-2093 — 100% of work performed. During the beef cattle calving season from early January through March, when fieldwork is not taking place and the cold weather increases the need for indoor shelter and close supervision, employees focus on the daily care of cattle/cow/calf by preparing feed mixtures and distributing feed to animals, checking drinking-water supplies and cleaning troughs, tanks, and watering equipment, and observing animals for illness, injury, distress, or changes in feeding behavior. They assist with breeding activities and pregnancy checks as directed, monitor cows during birthing, and help with newborn care so calves can be supported through delivery and the period immediately afterward when extra attention is needed. Employees also keep the livestock facilities in working condition by cleaning pens, stalls, barns, chutes, and animal-handling areas, removing animal waste, replacing bedding where required, and hauling manure. Once calving is completed in March, the increased labor is no longer needed and the cattle are returned to pasture for grazing. Employer may also, at its sole discretion, offer performance-based incentive bonuses that are not guaranteed and are determined by the employer.