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Are you interested in regenerative farming, working with horses on horseback while managing cattle? Rafter L Ranch near Fisher Branch, Manitoba might be the place for you!
About the Farm
Rafter L Ranch is a regenerative cattle operation, that focuses on animal health and soil health. They do not use synthetic fertilizer or chemical, keeping the health of the land and the cattle as their main priority. They do most of the work moving cattle and fencing on horseback. They make a lot of their own winter feed for the animals, hay and winter forage is a part of the summer production schedule.
They practice rotational grazing for pasture health and management. They integrate livestock on every piece of land while maximizing ground cover and biodiversity. The farm’s previous name was Signal Ranch and is now Rafter L Ranch.
Workplace Culture
This will be the first year that Arik is mentoring an apprentice. Arik was farming with his father and they are currently going through a farm transition where Arik will be doing most of the managing, decision making, and mentorship. At times, other family members help on the ranch as well as seasonal dayworkers for large work days such as branding and moving cattle.
About the Farmers
Arik Lindal is 27 year old. He was born into farming and grew up ranching with his Dad on the farm that he is currently farming. Arik went to university for agriculture and has worked in many places both on crop and livestock operations. When he left university, he was very interested and excited to pursue regenerative ranching practices and has quickly transitioned the family ranch into a functional regen operation. Arik also works off farm at the nearby community pastures. He will be away half the time from the farm which means the apprentice may be working alone. Be sure to ask questions for clarification during the interview.
About the Apprenticeship
Day to day tasks will vary depending on the season.
Tasks will include:
- Fencing,/building fence both permanent and temporary.
- Maintaining trails and meadows with saws.
- Horseback work.
- Checking cattle and or moving herds to new paddocks.
- Tractor work.
- Replacing salt/mineral
- Cattle processing ex: branding, vaccinating, treating.
The ideal duration of employment is April – October which is flexible and open to negotiation.
The job requirements are:
- Class 5 drivers license and own vehicle to get to and from the ranch
- Class 3 driver’s license would be an asset
- Tractor experience is an asset
- Horse riding/handling experience is an asset
- Work outside in all conditions
- Can lift 50lbs
- Can handle physical labor all day
- Willing to work with large animals (cattle and horses)
- Willing to do manual slower work (building, sawing, horseback)
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Observing biodiversity
- Techniques to encourage plant diversity
- Handling Animals
- Moving animals in a field
- Animal Health
- Safety around animals
- Making a holistic grazing plan
- Working in a zero/low-till system
- Chainsaw basic
- Truck & tractor basic operation
Compensation
The wage will be $16 – $20/hour depending on experience
About the Community
The farm is located in the Interlake region of Manitoba and the closest communities are Fisher Branch and Arborg, 2 small rural towns. The farm is 1.5 hours from Winnipeg, 1 hour from Hecla Provincial Park, 1 hour from Gimli, and 40 mins to beaches on Lake Winnipeg. There are many beautiful nature spots to see and explore nearby including the Narcisse snake dens in the spring during red-sided garter snake mating season, a very cool site indeed and is just a short drive from the farm. Nearby there are also many churches, resteraunts, and sporting events, which Arik will be happy to fill you in on.
Accommodation
Accommodations: yes
Accommodation details: Small cabin on the property with no running water or a small camper that could be hooked to water.
Accommodations shared with other employees/apprentices: yes, the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry will be located in Arik’s house.
Type of dwelling: Single season
Pets permitted: yes
Guests permitted: yes
Rent: Will be free but apprentice is required to bring their own food and necessities.
Arik and the folks at Rafter L Ranch look forward to seeing you!
