About
the Ranch
This is a 3rd-generation family ranch run by Jim and Carrie Bignell, along with their two children, Kaye and Brian Bignell. The Bignells raise Black Angus cows and sell 35 bulls per year. As a family, their priorities are to manage the ranch in a way that is sustainable for generations to come. They do so by closely managing cattle grazing so as not to overgraze, as well as spraying weeds to keep the land in the best shape possible. Their current focus is further developing stock water systems on the majority of their spring and summer pastures to help better distribute the cattle for grazing by having available freshwater in all parts of the pastures. Visit their website here.
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Regenerative Practices
We rotate all of our cattle through large native range pastures about once a month. We also summer 100 pairs on irrigated ground that we rotate every 4 days through small paddocks. We monitor the winter snowfall and spring rains very closely, which helps us plan our season and prepare for drought if needed. If we are concerned about a potential drought, we reduce the ratio of cattle to pasture to not overgraze, and may reorder the pasture rotation so as to prioritize grazing on pastures with sufficient stock water.
Tour
the Ranch
The Mentor
Brian Bignell
Brian Bignell is the main mentor and works and lives on the ranch full-time with his wife and two kids. He received a Bachelor of Science in Livestock Management from Montana State University in 2013. While receiving his degree, he studied AI (artificial insemination), pregnancy checking, and animal nutrition. He’s since been home on the family ranch for 11 years, helping with ranch management and day-to-day operations.
Kaye Bignell
Kaye Marie (Brian’s sister) was raised on the family ranch, leaving only briefly to play basketball for the University of Montana Western while earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Management. In 2017, she returned and has been a dedicated part of the team ever since. As the primary veterinarian, Kaye’s expertise and meticulous approach ensure the health and well-being of the herd.
Recently, she expanded her skill set by earning a certification in exercise science, and she now teaches workout classes on the ranch, so prepare to leave this internship jacked! Outside of work Kaye is passionate about sports documentaries, team roping, and her “cute, cute, cute” dog, Mitts.
Jim Bignell
Jim Bignell (Brian’s father) is the ranch owner and final decision maker. Jim was born and raised on the family ranch with his two brothers, but split off from his brothers and has been ranching on his own since the early 90s. He and his wife Carrie have been ranching together ever since. They raise bulls and AI 300 head of mother cows every year.
The Duties Of
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
What skills and traits are required?
- Intermediate horse experience due to regular riding and moving cattle through mountain pastures
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Willingness to live rural and far from larger cities
- Desire to learn something new every day
- Must be an upbeat paced and highly motivated individual.
What skills will an apprentice acquire?
Nuts & Bolts
More Details
Living on the Ranch
Town Information
Avon is a small town of 114 people. It has no gas station or grocery store but does have a restaurant. There is a community of people in their 20s and 30s who have come back to their family ranches. For grocery shopping and other amenities Avon is 30 min from Helena. There is access to the mountains for outdoor activities. This apprentice would be 20 miles from Mannix Ranch who will also host an apprentice.
Housing
Apprentice will live in a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom house with living room and kitchen. The house has reliable internet and Dish TV. The house can be heated with a wood stove and propane heater.
Laundry
Washer and dryers provided in housing.
Internet Service
WiFi will be available in the apprentice house.
Cell Service
Cell service can be unreliable away from headquarters.
Visitors
Visitors are welcome with advance notice to the Bignells.
Food
Beef available for apprentice as needed. The house has a full-service kitchen where you can prepare other meals.
Pets
Open to an apprentice bringing pets (cats/dogs) on a case by case basis. Working horses are welcome.
Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol
No smoking is allowed. Alcohol is allowed after work, unless it becomes a problem with work performance. Drinking is not tolerated while we are working and it will be cause for immediate removal. In addition, marijuana use is not permitted on the ranch.
Firearms
Considered on a case-by-case basis. Please bring it up during your interview.
Vehicle Info
Ranch Vehicles
We will provide vehicles for work use. A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record for use of work vehicles is required.
Personal Vehicles
While apprentices will not be asked to use a personal vehicle for work purposes, the apprentice will need the flexibility of his or her own vehicle on their days off in order to run personal errands such as purchasing groceries and for travel.
Work Hours / Time Off
Working Hours
6 days a week 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m with an hour off for lunch. There are days you will be expected to start work early and work past 6 pm. Once we start a project, sometimes we need to finish it on the same day. Calving and haying seasons will be longer.Time Off
In general, you will receive 1 day per week off, TBD. We are flexible at slower times of the year. In the slow season you can request time off in advance.
Health Insurance
Explore
Apprentice Stories
Check out past apprentices and what they have to say about their experience.