The Ranch
Redwing Ranch is a working ranch and new business that is integrating adaptive grazing, ecological decision-making, and team collaboration for a successful ranch business.
After a history of conventional grazing with long-term leasees since 2006, Christy came back to the ranch in 2022 and she and Fiona started an entirely new operation at the beginning of 2023. Since then Redwing Ranch has used management practices that work with nature by adapting grazing activities to weather and growing conditions and thinking holistically about the pasture conditions for cattle, the habitat conditions for local wildlife, and animal condition.
Redwing Ranch is located in Huerfano County, in Southern Colorado on the eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Ranging in elevation from ~7,200′ to ~8,600′, the ranch has a variety of habitats and topography that allow for cattle grazing, hay production and supporting wildlife. The lands comprise approximately 500 acres of irrigated hay fields, ~1000 acres of pasture and over 2000 acres of rangeland and ridge-lines, for a total of 3,600 deeded acres and 200 leased BLM acres. A mile of the Huerfano River bisects the ranch and provides senior water rights used for spring and summer irrigation.
Cattle are our tool for improving our pastures and rangelands. Fortunately, that does not mean we need to own all of them! For the last two years we have partnered with other cattle operations and custom grazed their animals, next year we plan to have a hybrid arrangement – some custom grazed cattle and some owned cattle. This allows us the flexibility to match the number of animals to the resources and climate patterns of the year, and lowers our overhead and dependence on the cattle market.
We are excited to invite an Apprentice to join us working with nature and learning every day to rebuild our soils, rejuvenate our habitats, invite more wildlife onto the ranch all the while raising content, healthy beef cattle. Come join a dynamic team and help build a new regenerative grazing operation from the foundation up, a unique opportunity in a beautiful landscape!
Mission:
Empowering the team, livestock, community, and nature.
Vision:
Redwing Ranch is a regenerative operation with a healthy water cycle and ever-improving biological metrics. We are interested in scaling and growing at a sustainable rate through holistic planning and proactive decision-making. We have appropriate ranch systems in place that allow us to operate at our true carrying capacity. Through example, our ranch is creating opportunities to partner and grow our local community. All of this is made possible by a happy and empowered team that runs a profitable operation that supports itself.
Regenerative Practices
- We use targeted grazing and portable electric fence to increase our stock density and achieve our ecological goals.
- We use a grazing plan, irrigation logs, pasture monitoring and GIS mapping tools to maintain effective grazing, planning and monitoring of the ranch.
- We use permanent and temporary infrastructure, as appropriate.
- We consider the ecological impacts and benefits in each decision we make for the cattle and land.
- Daily checks on the cattle and the pastures allows us to maintain a healthy herd and healthy grasslands.
The Mentors
Christy Wyckoff is the owner/operator of Redwing Ranch. As a wildlife ecologist, Christy’s career has focused on wildlife conservation and ecological land management, skills that she is now using to move Redwing Ranch from conventional to regenerative grazing practices. Prior to her move back to Colorado in 2022, Christy was the Deputy Director of the Santa Lucia Conservancy, in Carmel, California, where she led the wildlife research, prescribed-fire and community-fire-preparation programs. She also supervised the land management program which included the Conservancy’s novel conservation cattle grazing program that used cattle for endangered species habitat restoration. Christy received her BS in Biology from Stanford University, ‘02, chased feral pigs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville for her MS, ‘07, and delved into the molecular world of chronic wasting disease in elk at Colorado State University for her PhD, ‘13. Over her career Christy has advised and mentored over 40 students (undergraduate and graduate) advancing the careers of young conservationists and land managers.
Fiona Jackson joined Redwing Ranch as the Ranch Manager at the beginning of 2023. After graduating California Polytechnic State University with a BS in Agricultural Business and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture, Fiona worked on a large commercial cow-calf operation in eastern Colorado for three years where she implemented cell grazing at a landscape scale. She is excited to combine her past experience with Redwing’s vision for rebuilding our soils while producing a quality product. Fiona is enthusiastic about decision making that is driven in profitability, animal condition, and the ranch’s ecological goals. Her ability to problem solve and her growth-centered mindset are assets for Redwing as the ranch prioritizes more holistic decision making. She enjoys kayaking and roping when she’s not on the ranch, and is constantly wanting to learn and improve. Fiona is living on the ranch with her two pups and enjoys having friends and family to visit.
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
No day is ever the same and no task too small for any member of the team. Working with Christy and Fiona will include learning how to, and eventually managing, spring/summer ditch irrigation across the ranch; building polywire fence and moving cattle (on foot and on atvs); evaluating and managing livestock health issues; repairing and building infrastructure such as permanent fence, irrigation headgates, irrigation ditches, out buildings, and roads; learning to use the skidsteer; assisting in monitoring and management of pastures (scoring the grazing impact, documenting grazing moves and pasture arrangement, assisting with photo points, species lists, invasive weed management).
This position is best suited for an individual who is energetic, excited to work outside, has an upbeat attitude and is eager to learn, is comfortable and competent working independently, and is able to follow through on a wide variety of tasks in variable weather and across a variety of terrains. This position will advance your knowledge in regenerative grazing and land management ecology.
Duties and Opportunities
Our goal is that the apprentice will learn how our ranch operates and build skills, confidence, and capacity in the tasks and responsibilities described below. The general expected calendar for this apprenticeship is as follows:
- March-April: Orientation with the ranch, our SOPs, and irrigation infrastructure prep
- Assisting in day-to-day tasks
- Learning the pasture and irrigation ditch names
- Meeting neighbors
- Reviewing SOPs
- Working with all members of the RwR Team
- Assisting with irrigation ditch and infrastructure prep for the season
- May-July: Flood irrigation, ditch member engagement and irrigation infrastructure maintenance
- Moving tarps 1-3 times a day depending on the ditch & field
- Mapping irrigated footprint
- Working with neighbors who share the ditch to coordinate rotations and any ditch infrastructure issues
- Identifying, and as appropriate, repairing issues with the ditches
- Documenting the ranch’s use of water and keeping these records tidy
- July-September: Assisting with stocker herd grazing and management
- Prepping pastures for livestock moves (build polywire, repair exterior barb wire fence, check water cells and energizer)
- Moving the cattle by foot, on ATV or horseback
- Daily checks of the herd, fencing, and pasture
- Tracking the salt/mineral inventory
- Monitoring herd health and doctoring with darts if appropriate
- Shipping cattle off the ranch
- Opportunity for exposure to custom grazing numbers, EQIP numbers and pricing, and SDA and #/Acre of Forage calculations
- September-Early January: Eventual management of one of two fall cow herds the ranch plans to run. This might look like:
- Making the grazing plan with your supervisors
- Prepping pastures for livestock moves (build polywire, repair exterior barb wire fence, check water cells and energizer)
- Moving the cattle by foot, on ATV or horseback
- Daily checks of the herd, fencing, and pasture
- Tracking the salt/mineral inventory
- Monitoring herd health and doctoring with darts if appropriate
- Deciding the polywire paddock design in each pasture
- Documenting the actual days grazed after the fact and noting utilization
- Additional duties & opportunities:
- Horse care during the regular work week
- Record keeping – irrigation, grazing, doctoring, ranch inventories
- Grazing plan creation, modification and real-time tracking
- Building and repairing permanent barbed and hi-tensile fence
- Assisting with regular pasture monitoring and data collection of grazing and livestock for future decision-making and planning
- Assisting with quarterly photo-point monitoring
- Mowing around buildings and conducting targeted fuel maintenance
- Continued cleanup & repairs around facilities, across ranch and in out-buildings
- Orchard maintenance
- Basic regular maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment
- Loading, securing and hauling heavy equipment and trailers
- Participation in ongoing professional development related to RwR operations: i.e. book club, visiting other livestock operations, webinars, outings/events on the ranch with consultants and other partners, potential opportunities to help out on neighboring operations for spring and fall works, and opportunities to participate in related business planning meetings (WOTB)
- Participation in weekly staff meetings (WITB) and safety meetings
- Additional responsibilities as needed and requested
What skills and traits are required in an apprentice?
- A positive attitude, desire to grow individually and be a part of the team, and ability to make the best out of challenging situations when they arise
- Physically capable of, and willing to commit to, long days and physical labor (lift up to 50 lbs)
- Clear communication and ability to ask for clarification and/or help whenever needed
- Good organizational skills both on the job and in shared housing
- Dedication to the task/project the best you can and in a way you are proud of, every time
- Problem solver willing to identify and address problems individually and as a team
- Demonstrated comfort and competence with smart phones, Google Suite, digital record keeping and the use of other technology tools
- Ability to manage professional and healthy relationships with co-workers, partners, ditch members and neighbors
- Safety conscience with good record of safety practices and willingness to use PPE and follow safety protocols as required
- Resourceful and interested in new grazing and land management concepts and has a desire to learn new skills
- Has honesty, integrity, intellect, work ethic, and passion for the work
- Willingness to live on the ranch full time (conditional on employment) and have a flexible schedule for adapting the workweek
- Clean driving record and legally able to work in the United States for any employer
- Skills that an apprentice would expect to acquire:
- Ditch flood irrigation
- GIS mapping
- Experience with regenerative grazing concepts & practices
- Low-stress stockmanship
- Forage calculations and grazing planning
- Evaluation of grazing enterprises and financial decision-making with profitability in mind
- Ecological concepts of disturbance regimes and managing for complexity & resilience
- Ranch infrastructure maintenance and repair (permanent and temporary fencing, livestock water, building and structures, corrals)
- Experience and instruction on safe and effective use for operating skid steer and implements (potential opportunities in the backhoe and mini-ex, dependant on time and skill)
- Basic mechanical maintenance and repair experience
- Experience using mapping apps in the field and in the office
Applications for the 2025 season open November 1st, 2024.
nuts & Bolts
Start Date: Ideal start date is flexible, however the start of April would be the latest. Looking for an apprentice to stay through early January 2026 with flexibility to be on ranch for holidays.
Length of Apprenticeship: 9.5-10.5 months starting in March or beginning of April and ending in early January.
Compensation: Pay is hourly at $15/hour and an average 40 hour week (overtime at 48 hrs). Housing is included.
General work hours: The workday generally begins at 7 or 8 am, depending on the season, task and who you are working with. Your general work schedule will be a 40 hour work week, M-F, and two weekends on ‘chores’ a month. Working weekends are chores only- livestock checks (when on ranch), moving irrigation (if water is running), and horses. With irrigation running and cattle on the place this might be 4 hours, and when irrigation and cattle are off the place, this might be 30 mins.
We check cattle and irrigate first thing each morning (provided cattle are on the place and water is on). During the irrigation season, moving tarps 1-3 times daily is expected. The grazing plan guides the schedule for cattle moves and new temporary fence construction, but typically the cattle move every 2-5 days. Infrastructure, land management and planning are never ending objectives that keep us busy the rest of the day! In general the day wraps up around 4:30 but depending on the events of the day, it can be later. We do have uncertain and changing hours dictated by livestock and operational needs, however the intention is really to work about 40 hours M-F.
Housing: On-ranch housing in the Headquarters/Huerfano House, located in the heart of the ranch, is available for the duration of the position, and contingent on employment. The provided housing will be a private bedroom and shared bathroom. The historic building has been recently remodeled, has laundry and a fully supplied kitchen, furnishings and linens are included. There is a refundable damage deposit of $200. The Headquarters is a shared space and hub of activity with our office, and is used for housing of other staff, interns and guests of the ranch.
Laundry: Washer and dryer are available in the house.
Internet: Starlink wifi is available in the house.
Cell Service: Service is variable across the ranch, Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T are all have about the same amount of coverage in different locations of the ranch.
Time-Off: Personal time off is important to our team so we offer sick time, which is accrued at 1 hr/30 hrs worked, and paid vacation, which is accrued at 3.3 hrs/two-week pay period. Un-paid time off can be accommodated for extreme circumstances.
Visitors: We love guests, and Apprentice will be allowed to have visitors, however, all visits should be cleared with the Mentor prior to the visit and guests will be required to sign the liability waiver. Guest accommodations will be dependent on the occupancy of the Headquarters House.
Food: In general no food or meals are provided (30 minute lunch break during work day for you to return to your housing and cook/eat). Some beef cuts will be shared and group meals happen spontaneously.
Pets: Well behaved dogs are negotiable, and allowed with a damage deposit. (Must be able to follow you without leash and not harass livestock). Sorry no cats.
All the fun stuff: Absolutely no smoking allowed, indoor or outdoor. Vaping of tobacco and cannabis outside of buildings, and drinking in moderation are permitted in your off time.
Guns, Fishing & Hunting: Requires valid license and permission from Christy Wyckoff. Permission granted on a case by case basis. Guns must be properly and safely stored.
Health Insurance: The ranching lifestyle has inherent dangers. While personal health insurance is not required to participate in the apprenticeship program, it is strongly encouraged. We carry Workers Compensation to cover injuries incurred on the job.
Ranch Vehicles: Use of a shared ranch truck, SxS or ATV will be available during working hours. Employees will not be required to use a personal vehicle for ranch work. Ranch vehicles are for ranch use only.
Personal Vehicle: A personal vehicle is required to get to town for free time & errands.
Additional items an apprentice should bring: Good footwear – cowboy work boots (not hard toe, we recommend rubber sole for work wear and leather for riding) and/or hiking boots are recommended for work in the fields and corrals. For irrigation we recommend muck boots or mud boots. Leather work gloves for fencing are also important to have. We are up in the mountains so the weather can swing from snowing to sunny in a couple hours so layers are critical including jackets that you don’t mind snagging on barbed wire and others that will keep you dry in the snow or rain. A couple of hat options are also recommended, broad brimmed hats for sunny days and baseball caps for those windy days. Quality sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes at elevation. If you have certain kitchen/house items you like we recommend bringing them. Bedding and bathroom towels are provided, but bring your own if you like. If you drive a 2WD vehicle you should have chains for driving in the snow, as required by Colorado Law, chains are not required for 4WD vehicles.
Living on Redwing Ranch
- Grocery shopping: There is a Safeway & First Choice in Walsenburg, about 45 minutes east, there is a small local market in Westcliffe about 45 minutes north, and Pueblo is an hour and 45 mins NE with Walmart, Sam’s Club, King Soopers and Albertsons.
- Dining: All restaurant options are in Westcliffe or Walsenburg.
- Entertainment: Gardner has a bar but not much of any other businesses, entertainment out here includes hiking and recreating on the ranch or surrounding public lands, or creating your own entertainment.
Quivira Coalition Activities: This apprenticeship is offered through Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Program. The full cohort of apprentices on regenerative ranches and farms across the West will attend an April orientation, participate in supplemental education Zoom calls, complete skills checklists with their mentors, and attend the annual REGENERATE Conference in November. Apprentices are also required to write several reports during their apprenticeship that will be posted in the New Agrarian Voices blog on the Quivira website.
