WELLNITZ RANCH

Cody, NE

The Ranch

The Wellnitz ranch is a family-owned and operated, cow/calf operation located 30 miles southwest of Nenzal, in Cherry County, Nebraska. The ranch, located near the Samual R. McKelvie National Forest and the Merritt Reservoir, is an area rich in community, ranch history, wildlife, and sandhills beauty. The ranch consists of 15,000 acres of soft sandhills, sub-irrigated meadows, four center pivots, and includes 3600 acres of leased forest ground.

Ken and Tammy have a lifelong background in ranching, but the southern ranch is newly founded. After a devastating wildfire burned through their homeplace, they began searching and found the opportunity to acquire this ranch. After obtaining the ranch (Steer Creek), the Wellnitzes have been improving the structures, building infrastructure, and restoring the grasslands. By implementing regenerative practices such as rotational grazing, grazing plans, and pasture health monitoring, they are enhancing the ranch's carrying capacity. They envision a sustainable and resilient operation that has the potential to run all their cows, as well as background calves, over the winter.

Calving occurs in April and May, with brandings taking place at the end of May. Long, busy days of summer are spent taking care of cattle, moving them for rotational grazing, fixing fences, putting up hay, and performing any other tasks the ranch needs. The Wellnitzs are committed to managing and operating with regenerative principles for healthy land, animals, people, and wildlife, with the goal of passing it on better to the next generation. They are excited to share their knowledge and way of life with those who are passionate about ranching or are just starting their careers in the profession.

The Mentors

Ken, Tammy, and Kane Wellnitz

Ken and his wife Tammy, of 38 years, own and operate Wellnitz Ranch. Ken was born and raised in the Rushville area, immersed in the ranching way of life. Growing up, he remembers helping his dad take care of cows before school. It’s all he’s ever known and all he’s ever wanted to do. Ken is excited to share the possibilities in ranching, from getting started from scratch to building up.

Tammy is very involved in the everyday operations of the ranches. She was raised on a farm/ranch and knows all aspects of the operation. She is a dedicated horsewoman and is very active in training and competing in ranch horse competitions. Ken and Tammy have one son, Kane.

Kane (27 years old) attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for International Ag Business. Kane has traveled and worked in Africa and Texas, and currently works for a Nebraska Ag company. Kane and his fiancée, Anna Kobza (a UNL final-year PhD candidate in Ruminant Nutrition), help on the ranch whenever possible, with Kane assisting with calving during April.

Andrea Beck

Andrea Beck helps manage Steer Creek. Andrea was born and raised on a cow-calf operation in Iowa. A graduate of South Dakota State University, Andrea spent several years working on ranches in Nebraska before taking the position to help manage the ranch. Andrea is passionate about the land, plants, and grazing management. Her experience with cattle and the desire to improve the land have aligned well with the Wellnitzes, and she is excited to share her skills. Andrea values her faith and strives to live in and enjoy each moment.

The Intern

Duties

Candidate will work closely with mentors on a variety of ranching tasks as capabilities allow, including, but not limited to, calving, branding, rotational grazing systems, pasture management and evaluation, fencing, pairing and moving cattle, cattle health monitoring, and haying.

Ken and Tammy are willing to teach any aspect of the ranch management and business that is of interest.

Horseback riding experience is not required. However, horses are utilized for moving cattle, doctoring, and branding cattle, and there is an opportunity to learn how to ride horses if desired. ATVs are used to move cattle, cover ground, check pastures, cattle, and water, and distribute salt and minerals.

Additional responsibilities as needed and as per request.

Desired Skills

· Valid driver’s license

· Willingness to learn and work hard

· Go-getter attitude.

· Sense of humor

· Respectful of property and equipment

· Non-smoking

The Details

Length of Experience: 3 months

Stipend: Wellnitz Ranch will pay a monthly stipend estimated at $2,100.00/month.

General work hours: The typical work week is 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Monday through Saturday. Hours will vary, depending on the season and activities. The regular day off is Sunday. There is a community church close by.

Housing and Meals: Shared housing will be provided on the ranch. The house is fully furnished and includes internet, cell phone service, laundry facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen. All bedding, towels, kitchen items, and household essentials are included. Housing is to be kept clean. Some food and meals will be provided. Visitors are welcome with the mentor’s approval.

Horse: Bringing a broke horse for ranch use is acceptable.

Cell Phone Service: Verizon/Viaero service on the ranch.

Vehicles: A ranch vehicle will be provided for ranch-related work.

Living at the Wellnitz Ranch: Cody is 38 miles away and offers all basic amenities, including dining options, a grocery store, and a gas station. Valentine is an hour away and offers basic amenities, additional services, and shopping options. Wellnitz Ranch is situated in a remote area, yet it provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, floating the river, and canoeing. Community events include brandings, barbeques, church socials, and other events.

Educational Activities: Opportunities to attend select workshops and participate in various ranch tours will be available.