Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
APACHE RANCH
Hyannis, NE
The Ranch
Apache Ranch is a cow/calf operation located in the heart of Grant County, south of Hyannis. Consisting of rolling sandhills prairie, meadows, lakes, and plentiful wildlife, Apache Ranch is owned by an absentee owner from Kansas and is part of a diversified operation.
Tim McAbee is the manager of Apache Ranch. The top goal of Apache Ranch is to be profitable, which ensures the operation is and will remain sustainable. To accomplish this goal, Tim adjusts the operations as needed to take the best care of the land and livestock. The ranch operation consists of all Angus cattle with some Hereford influence and utilizes Angus and Sim-Angus bulls. They retain ownership of their calves through the finishing phase and typically run them on cornstalks in the winter before sending them to the feedlot. Pasture calving takes place in April and May by moving heavies. Horses and cowdogs are relied on in everyday work on the ranch. Most years, Apache Ranch will raise its own replacement heifers that will then be A.I. bred. Cows will be summered on native grass pastures south of Mullen, as well as by Lake McConaughy. If the market is right, the ranch will also run stocker cattle on grass.
Apache Ranch has a rotational grazing system in place, in which livestock are moved weekly or biweekly, depending on the conditions. With horses and dogs, low-stress cattle handling and movement are prioritized and accomplished. The summer haying is contracted out, but the ranch will move all bales to the stackyards, and summer forage is planted in pivots on the ranch.
The Mentors
Tim McAbee
Tim was born and raised in the Broken Bow area. He has a strong lifelong background in agriculture and went on to study animal science in college. His desire to ranch and his love of the sandhills led him to become the manager of Apache Ranch.
Tim and his wife Stacy have been married for 26 years. Stacy is the school principal in Paxton, NE, and comes back to the ranch as often as she can. Tim and Stacy have two children. Zachary, their son, is attending college at the University of Kearney, studying Business and Information Technology. Shailay, their daughter, is attending Chadron State University, majoring in Agriculture Business, and competes on the rodeo team in roping and barrel racing.
Tim is passionate about ranching and the way of life it offers. Providing food for people and caring for the land, livestock, and horses is meaningful work that makes each day worthwhile. He feels fortunate to live in the Sandhills, for the diversity of his work, the outdoors, and the mentors who have guided him. Tim practices Bud Williams' Stockmanship methods and appreciates a good cowdog. A good cowdog can save you and provide much-needed help, Tim says. He is excited to share his knowledge of stockmanship and the movement of large groups of cattle with an intern. He is willing to share his experience and any skills necessary for ranch operations. Tim values people who take initiative and are willing to put in effort.
Jay Holthus
Jay was born and raised in the Oshkosh area and has been in the ranching industry his entire life. Jay has lived and worked at Apache Ranch for 9 years.
The Intern
Duties
Candidate will work closely with Tim on a variety of ranching tasks as capabilities allow, including, but not limited to, stockmanship and low-stress cattle handling, rotational grazing management, daily livestock care, fence repair, hay moving, and branding.
Opportunities to learn about various aspects of ranch operations, including record-keeping, nutrition, and economics, will be provided.
Horseback riding experience is not required. However, horses are valued and utilized on the ranch, and candidate will have the opportunity to learn horsemanship. ATVs and side-by-sides are also available to use.
Additional responsibilities as needed and as per request.
Desired Skills
· Valid driver’s license
· Honesty and effort
· Open mind and willingness to learn
· Good observation skills
· Some equipment experience preferred
The Details
Length of Experience: 3 months
Stipend: Apache Ranch will pay a monthly stipend estimated at $2,100.00/month.
General work hours: Monday through Saturday. Hours will vary depending on the season and activities. The regular day off is Sunday.
Housing and Meals: An apartment, equipped with a kitchen and laundry facilities, is furnished at the ranch and includes all necessary housing items. Beef will be available for the intern. Housing is to be cared for and kept clean. Visitors are welcome. A dog may be allowed, provided prior approval is obtained.
Cell Phone Service: Viaero cell phone service. An internet connection and a landline are available in the apartment.
Vehicles: Ranch vehicles will be provided for ranch-related work.
Horse: The intern may bring one or two broke horses for ranch use.
Living at the Apache Ranch: Hyannis is 10 miles away and offers all basic amenities, including places to eat and drink, a grocery store, a hotel, a post office, and gas stations. Community events include Hyannis Windmill Days, brandings, and many ranch rodeos.
Educational Activities: Opportunity to attend select workshops and participate in various ranch tours will be available.