About
the Ranch
The 4M Ranch runs on a 130,000 acre land base spread over private, BLM allotments, and Forest Service permits. The majority of the ranch is located between Meeker and Rangely Colorado. We are predominantly a cow-calf operation and run a small number of yearlings as well. We perform 99% of our cow work horseback and take pride in stockmanship and horsemanship that best suits the livestock we care for. We strive always to maintain and improve the health of our grass and soil through managed grazing. The ranch is comprised of desert and mountain country ranging from 5,500 feet on the White River to 10,000 feet in the Flat Top mountain range.
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Regenerative Practices
We practice management-intensive grazing on our irrigated meadows. We move our cattle in tight bunches behind a hotwire. Moves can range from daily to once a week depending on season of use. On our rangeland, we execute grazing plans that are established to allow for sufficient rest of our cool season perennial grass species. We ride on our cattle on a regular basis allowing us to be adaptive to range conditions and move cattle when utilization standards are met.Â
We are beginning to utilize more technology in the management of our cattle. This fall we will be applying GPS ear tags in compliance with a soil carbon monitoring program. The ear tags will be useful in tracking cattle in order to improve containment and adherence to our grazing plan.
Tour
the Ranch
The Mentor
My name is Cooper Dias, and I am the cow boss here on the 4M ranch. I have been on the 4M for the last two years. Prior to my employment here I have worked on a number of large scale ranches in the Western US, including a season as a NAP apprentice on the San Juan Ranch. I am passionate about grazing management, particularly on rangeland. Grazing planning and developing production plans that best suit the cattle and country are some of my favorite parts of my job. I enjoy working horseback and starting young horses. Good stockmanship is a lifelong pursuit and I am always aspiring to improve my methods of handling cattle, horses and stock dogs. I believe as ranchers we are responsible for the proper stewardship of the land that we raise our livestock on. I strive to always be proactive in my management in order to best care for the natural resources we depend upon. I believe that nature is the best model to base the way we structure our operations. Observation and application of natural processes is key to achieving a low-input, and consequently, more profitable ranching operation.
The Duties Of
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
What skills and traits are required?
What skills will an apprentice acquire?
Nuts & Bolts
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Living on the Ranch
Town Information
The majority of the ranch is situated between the towns of Rangely and Meeker, CO. Both towns are relatively small with resident populations of around 2,000 people. Both towns have small locally owned groceries and dollar stores. The nearest major towns are over an hour away. The three major towns closest to the ranch are Craig and Rifle, CO, and Vernal, UT. Both Rangely and Meeker put on rodeos, ropings, and horse shows throughout the summer. Colorado Northwestern Community College is located in Rangely, which contributes a significant number of college-age people to the town. Both towns are home to churches of various denominations, including a cowboy church that meets every Sunday night at the fairgrounds in Meeker. Every September, Meeker hosts the renowned Meeker Classic stock dog trials and the Meeker Mustang Makeover. The nearest airports for commercial flights are located in Grand Junction and Hayden, CO.
Housing
Housing will consist of a bedroom and private bathroom in a two-bedroom house. The home includes all modern amenities; washer and dryer, electric heat and a/c, dishwasher, electric range, fridge and freezer etc. Starlink internet will be provided as well. The house will be shared with another employee in the Spring and Fall months. In addition, there may be days throughout the Summer when the apprentice will be asked to stay in the two-bedroom cabin at cow camp in the high country. The cabin has no electricity, but is powered by propane. The only running water is in the kitchen and is sourced from a spring above camp. There is no internet or cell phone service in camp.
Laundry
Laundry will be located in the provided housing and will be shared in the Spring, Fall and sporadically throughout the Summer.
Internet Service
Wi-fi will be provided.
Cell Service
Cell service varies throughout the ranch. The only carrier that covers the ranch is At&t. We use cell phones as our primary form of communication. If the apprentice has a cell carrier other than At&t and does not want to or is unable to change, the ranch will provide a phone. Awareness of one’s surroundings is important to remain safe while performing the many tasks on the ranch that are inherently dangerous. It is preferable that employees do not use headphones, but certain situations are acceptable. It will be expected that the apprentice uses discretion when deciding when and where it is appropriate to use headphones.
Visitors
Visitors are allowed for short periods of time. Visitations must be communicated to the ranch manager a minimum of three days beforehand.
Food
The apprentice will have access to ranch ground beef throughout the apprenticeship, steaks will be available but not guaranteed year-round.
Pets
Pets are allowed. Stock dogs are allowed as long as they have sufficient recall. The ranch will feed and care for up to five outside horses for an apprentice. Dogs must be contained when not in the company of their owner.
Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are not allowed during work hours. Smoking is not allowed inside of buildings or vehicles.
Firearms
Firearms are allowed. Firearm possession must be disclosed to the ranch manager.
Vehicle Info
Ranch Vehicles
A ranch vehicle will be provided to the apprentice for ranch work only. The apprentice will not be expected to drive any manual transmission vehicles.
Personal Vehicles
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Work Hours / Time Off
Working Hours
We typically work an eight to ten hour day Monday through Friday and half a day on Saturday. Spring and Fall will require longer days and often a full work day on Saturdays. An apprentice will not be asked to work Sundays unless due to an emergency.Time Off
An apprentice will have Sundays off every week. If additional time off is needed, it is required that the apprentice notify the ranch manager. Extended time off or vacations are permitted and should be discussed with the ranch manager at least three weeks in advance.
Health Insurance
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Apprentice Stories
Check out past apprentices and what they have to say about their experience.