About
the Ranch
We are located in Southeast Idaho near the town of Blackfoot. We are a family ranch first established in 1904 by homesteader Joe Pratt. Though we are surrounded on all sides by large-scale agriculture, we still have a largely natural landscape of rolling sandhills and grass/alfalfa fields. We flood irrigate and enjoy the tree-lined canals that this promotes. We are holistic management trained, and focus on low-stress stockmanship with help from a good bunch of border collies. Good horses, soil health, biodiversity and lifelong learning are some of the tenets we hope to foster with others through the apprenticeship program.
More Story
The valley ranch is about 1,000 acres of dry sandhills and irrigated pasture. The cattle herd spends the winter here on feed harvested nearby. We also keep some weaned calves over the winter in a small feedlot at ranch headquarters. We calve in March and April and in May walk the pairs to summer range about 45 miles away to the Blackfoot River Mts. We wean calves in October and walk the cows home in November/December. We are long-time members of a grazing cooperative in the summer, utilizing both public and private lands.
We market through Country Natural Beef and follow their guidelines around cattle welfare and treatment protocols. We also sell a small number of grass-finished animals direct to local consumers.
Regenerative Practices
- We plan grazing to provide plant recovery to the best of our ability.
- We utilize temporary and permanent fence to address time and timing of grazing.
- We are continually developing our observational skills, and learning about the variety of plants and animals that call our ranch home.
- We foster heterogeneity in our pastures to allow for wildlife to flourish.
- We advocate for soil health, wise water use, and are active in advocacy and education in our community.
Tour
the Ranch
The Mentor
Our biggest asset on the ranch is our people.
Mark will be the main mentor. Besides being a managed grazing and soil health enthusiast, Mark is active in organizations throughout the state to promote our industry. He is past Idaho Cattle Association president, is on the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission and is a member of the Governor’s Recreation Task Force. Mark’s super-power is reading cattle and paying close attention to their health and wellbeing. He is also excellent with horses. He taught high school agriculture for 12 years and relates well with young people.
Wendy serves on the local and state soil and water conservation board and writes and speaks on behalf of conservation ranching. Her blog: the pastoral muse, has been active for some 12 years now.
Their son Seth and his wife Leah live on the ranch and help us after hours. Seth works from home for an agriculture company. His border collies, Elsa and Ruby, are two of the most valuable employees on the ranch. Leah keeps track of their two kids, Emma and Ruth.
Their daughter Anna and her husband Cole also live on the ranch. Cole works remotely as well, but helps during calving and any time we need his excellent horsemanship and roping skills. Anna stays home with their one-year-old Lou but helps with the cattle when she can and leaves Lou with grandma.
These four young people have a wealth of education, curiosity, passion for agriculture, and a love of the land and legacy that is invaluable.
The Duties Of
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
What skills and traits are required?
- interest in regenerative agriculture methods
- interest in cattle care and handling
- a sense of curiosity and eagerness to ask questions and listen!!
- good work ethic and pride in a job well done
- see the job through to completion
- understands the flexible schedule that natural systems demand
- can do moderate to heavy lifting, hiking, etc. in adverse weather
What skills will an apprentice acquire?
Nuts & Bolts
More Details
Living on the Ranch
Town Information
There is a Walmart and a smaller local grocery store 15 mins from the ranch. There are good dining options and fast food 15 mins away in Blackfoot. We’ve got great options for hiking, climbing, fishing, mt. biking etc. not far from the ranch. Idaho Falls is a half hour away, it has social events throughout the summer.
Housing
We have a 2 bedroom house just a short walk from our home. It has a washing machine and clothesline, refrigerator/freezer. It has big shade trees so it’s cool in the summer. We are currently remodeling the bathroom and one bedroom.
Laundry
Available in your house
Internet Service
Yes
Cell Service
Yes
Visitors
We allow visitors from time to time if we know ahead of time and they don’t interfere with the work schedule.
Food
All the beef you can eat.
Pets
Any pets will need to be outdoors. Dogs will need to be tied up.
Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol
No smoking in the house, no drinking on the job.
Firearms
May be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Please discuss during interview.Â
Vehicle Info
Ranch Vehicles
Apprentice will use ranch vehicles for work, to include trucks and 4-wheeler.
Personal Vehicles
A personal vehicle is recommended for time off and to get to town for activities/errands.
Work Hours / Time Off
Working Hours
7-7 summer hours with mid-day lunch and breakTime Off
One day per week, some flexibility here for special occasions
Health Insurance
Explore
Apprentice Stories
Check out past apprentices and what they have to say about their experience.