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Are you an aspiring ecological farmer looking for hands-on experience working the land and living in a community? McKnight Ranch in Hazlet, Saskatchewan, might be the place for you!
About the Farm
The McKnight family ranch near is Hazlet, Saskatchewan. The ranch is home to a thriving commercial cow–calf operation built on strong values and teamwork. They are deeply committed to raising healthy cattle while building a sustainable future for their family and community. Life on the ranch is hands-on, varied, and rewarding—no two days look the same, and each season brings new challenges and opportunities to learn.
They work with range cattle in a low-stress, high-alert manner. Duties include monitoring animals for signs of illness, handling cattle when necessary, and moving herds between pastures ranging in size from 60 acres to 8,000 acres.
McKnight Ranch runs an online ranching course. The comprehensive curriculum that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the demands of ranch work.
Website: www.mcknightranch.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcknight.in.the.sandhills/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/erinmcknight_/
Our Workplace Culture
“Our ranch is built on trust, responsibility, and respect—for the land, the livestock, and the people who work here.
We believe good work comes from clear expectations, solid training, and a shared understanding of how and why things are done. We don’t assume people “just know.” If a job matters, we take the time to teach it properly. Safety, animal welfare, and doing things right the first time matter here.
We value people who show up ready to learn, take pride in their work, and look out for one another. Ranching can be demanding, and we believe it’s best done as a team. Questions are encouraged. Communication is direct and respectful. If something isn’t working, we talk about it and fix it.
We work hard, but we also value family, balance, and enjoying the life we’re building. We believe a well-run ranch should reduce stress—not create more of it. Organization, documentation, and preparation allow us to work efficiently and head home safely at the end of the day.
Above all, we aim to create a workplace where people feel capable, supported, and confident in their role—proud of the work they do and the operation they’re part of.”
Erin McKnight
About the Farmers
Steve and Erin ranch alongside their two boys, Smith and Ole. Ranch life is very much a family effort, with everyone pitching in where they can. Some days that means extra hands for chores or tagging along to learn how things work; other days it means stepping back and letting the kids be kids.
Steve and Erin have been ranching there for nearly 20 years, building the operation piece by piece through hands-on work, learning, and plenty of problem-solving along the way. Over the years, they’ve learned that good ranching isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter, communicating clearly, and creating systems that support both the land and the people on it. Their approach is practical, thoughtful, and rooted in respect for livestock, safety, and the long-term sustainability of the ranch.
The boys bring a lot of fun and energy to the place. They are curious, observant, and always finding their own way to be part of what’s going on. Just as often, they remind the family to pause and play—to enjoy the moments in between the work. Ranching is their livelihood, but it is also their home, and they are raising their family right alongside the cattle and the seasons.
About the Apprenticeship
McKnight Ranch is looking for someone who wants to be part of the whole picture from working with cattle to caring for land and equipment, the job involves both responsibility and growth. Safety, respect, and clear communication are foundational to the ranch work culture. Experience is an asset, but attitude and willingness to learn carry equal weight.
Tasks include
- Fencing: building a new fence as part of a team and monitoring and repairing existing fences independently.
- Equipment operation: operating machinery for a wide range of tasks, from winter feeding to forage harvesting—equipment use is a major part of the job.
- Equipment Maintenance: performing basic maintenance such as changing tires and oil, and being comfortable with general mechanical repairs.
- Livestock handling and care: Working with range cattle in a low-stress, high-alert manner.
Pasture work: Pairing out and delivering cattle to several non-adjoining pastures, along with ongoing herd checks and mineral delivery to remote locations.
The ideal duration of employment is April – November .
The job requirements are
- Class 5 Driver’s License
Suitable work clothes
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Observing biodiversity,
- Observing the mineral cycle
- Animal Nutrition,
- Safety around animals,
- Handling Animals,
- Animal Health,
- Feeding & watering
Compensation
We offer the wage of 22$/ hour
About the Community
McKnight Ranch is remote, with Swift Current about 100 km away, so amenities and nightlife are limited. If having a social life is important to you, it’s absolutely possible, but it requires being outgoing and making the effort to join the community. The closest community is Hazlet, 32 km away, where you’ll find a K–12 school with bus service, a post office, café, curling and skating rink, and a local Co-op hardware store with just enough provisions to get you by between town trips. It’s the kind of place where neighbours look out for each other, and community involvement makes all the difference.
100 Km Swift current
Accommodation
Accommodations: yes
Accommodation details: The ranch provides comfortable on-site housing with two suite options in the same house. The upstairs suite spans the main and top floors, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and shared basement laundry. The basement suite includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, a small kitchenette, and shared laundry. Both suites have access to a large yard, a small attached garage, and opportunities for small livestock. While one suite is often empty, being considerate of suite neighbours is important. To maintain a respectful and professional living environment, no pets or parties are permitted.
Access to a full bathroom with running water: yes
Type of dwelling: Four seasons
Accommodation checklist: furnished private bedroom, kitchenette or kitchen, living room, wifi, utilities included
Pets permitted: no
Guests permitted: maybe
Rent: included as a taxable benefit of $500/ month
Accommodation Agreement: yes
We look forward to seeing you all!