SHADBOLT HOME RANCH
Merriman, NE
About The Ranch
Shadbolt Home Ranch is a working cattle ranch in the sandhills south of Merriman, Nebraska. With a rich history of over 130 years, Shadbolt Home Ranch has thrived thanks to the dedication and hard work of its founders and descendants. Today, the ranch proudly serves as home to the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of the Shadbolt family, who continue to uphold the traditions and values that have defined the ranch for over a century. The expansive ranch features rolling sandhills, prairie, and sub-irrigated meadows, making it ideal for raising beef cattle and horses while supporting wildlife and sustaining the ranching lifestyle.
Quentin and Angela Shadbolt own and operate Shadbolt Home Ranch. They value family and work as a team on the ranch. Taking care of the land, maintaining repairs, and ensuring sustainability are top priorities for the Shadbolt family. The calving season begins in May, and the summer is busy with calving, caring for the livestock, and brandings. Additionally, they manage their own hay production, starting in mid-June. Breeding season begins in August, with heifers being A.I. bred and bulls getting turned out. Horses are relied on and used daily on the ranch.
In addition to the cattle operation, the ranch has a budding horse business. After many years of starting colts for the public, breeding, raising, and training their own horses is now a priority. An intern may help with the training if skills allow. Another aspect of the ranch includes a small bison herd that Quentin added as a hobby. The herd requires minimal management, and animals are occasionally harvested through rifle hunts or sold to maintain a manageable herd size.
The Shadbolt family is deeply passionate about ranching. Quentin is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with an intern, teaching them about how they raise cattle and manage their ranch. He believes that integrity and a willingness to learn are far more valuable than previous skills for anyone joining the ranch. The Shadbolts are prepared to teach interns any aspect of ranching that they wish to explore.
The Mentors
Quentin & Angela Shadbolt
Quentin is a fourth-generation rancher and horseman, born and raised on the Shadbolt ranch. Quentin's wife, Angela, is also from Merriman. Both have a lifelong background and experience ranching in the Sandhills. Together, they have three children: Garrett, Jordan, and Josie, and three grandchildren.
Garrett and his wife, Katie, live on the ranch with their three children and are actively involved in the daily ranch life. Garrett is a skilled bareback bronc rider competing as a member of the PRCA and has qualified and competed at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). His competition schedule often pulls him away from the ranch, especially during the summer.
Josie has been pursuing her education at college and working. She plans to return home to the ranch.
Jordan Sanders
Jordan plays an active role in the ranch's daily operations. She manages a variety of responsibilities, including caring for livestock and training horses, while also competing as a barrel racer. She aims to raise and train exceptional horses and is committed to achieving this goal.
Jordan's husband, Collin, is employed at Open Range Beef, a meat processing facility in Gordon, Nebraska.
The Intern
Duties
Meetings: Daily meetings each morning for planning and discussion.
Livestock care: Assist with calving and health management, chute work, windmill and water monitoring, putting out salt/mineral, and ensuring cattle are within fences.
Brandings: Assist with brandings as capabilities allow.
Cattle moves: Interns will help with pairing out and moving cattle on horseback.
Horsemanship: Riding, roping, and tasks as capabilities allow.
Range Management: Pasture monitoring and cattle moves.
Haying: Assisting with putting up hay and moving hay.
Ranch Infrastructure: Duties include fencing, ranch repairs, and maintenance as needed.
Equipment: Operating equipment, equipment maintenance and repairs.
Various shop and barn tasks.
Horses are utilized in daily ranch duties; horse experience is preferred. ATVs and side-by-sides are used on the ranch, but not for cattle work.
Additional responsibilities as needed and as per request.
Desired Skills
Valid Driver's License
Optimistic
Easy going and laid back
Willingness
Integrity
Cattle/Horse Experience
The Details
Length of Internship: 3 months
Stipend: Shadbolt Home Ranch will pay a monthly stipend estimated at $2,100.00/month.
General work hours: The typical work week is 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday mornings. Hours may vary depending on the season and activities. Sunday is the regular day off.
Housing: A fully furnished bunk house with a kitchen and laundry is provided on the ranch.
Cell Phone Service: Viaero/Verison cell phone service is limited. The ranch house has Wifi internet.
Vehicles: The intern will have a ranch vehicle available during work hours. While an intern will not be asked to use a personal vehicle for work purposes, a personal vehicle is recommended for days off and personal errands.
Horse: The intern may bring a horse for ranch use. Other pets may be allowed with prior permission.
Additional items the intern should bring: Bring any personal items you need, including gear for all—weather, sun, and rain protection. Work boots, riding boots, and leather gloves are recommended.
Living at Shadbolt Home Ranch: Gordon and Hyannis are an hour away. Both have all the basic amenities, including places to eat and drink, a grocery store, gas stations, and hotels. Gordon has a health clinic, hospital, vision center, and pharmacy. Community events include the Sheridan County Fair in Gordon and Hyannis Windmill Days.
Educational Activities: The intern will have an opportunity to attend select workshops and participate in various ranch tours.
