Cattle & Grain Farm Operator

AgHires; Essex (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Retention bonus after 1 year

Discretionary bonus

Meat bonus potential

Job summary

Rydberg Farms in Essex, Iowa, is seeking a hardworking Cattle & Grain Farm Operator to assist with livestock care, crop production and equipment operation on a family‑run farm. The role includes feed handling, maintenance and local hauling, with a focus on reliability and hands‑on work.

We value experience in cattle and grain farming, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work outdoors in changing weather. CDL or semi‑driving experience is a plus for potential hauling duties.

Qualifications

• Experience in cattle production or grain farming preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL or semi-driving experience a plus.
• Willing to work outdoors in varying weather and seasonal conditions.
• Dependable, self-motivated and capable of daily ownership.

Responsibilities

• Feed cattle daily and monitor livestock health and well‑being.
• Handle, process and mix feed ingredients per feeding practices.
• Assist with cattle handling and other livestock tasks.
• Operate tractors, loaders, skid steers and other farm machinery.
• Support planting, harvest and grain farming activities as needed.
• Inspect, clean and perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Drive a semi for local grain, feed, livestock or hauling as needed.
• Complete general farm maintenance and related duties based on skill.

Skills

Livestock care

Equipment operation

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Tools

Tractor operation

Loader operation

Skid steer

Semi driving

Job description

Rydberg Farms is a family-owned cattle and grain operation located in Essex, Iowa. We take pride in caring for our livestock, maintaining our equipment and land, and operating a dependable, well-run farm. We are seeking a hardworking and reliable Cattle & Grain Farm Operator to join our team and assist with livestock care, crop production, equipment operation, feed handling and local hauling.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience as a farm hand, farm equipment operator, ranch hand, cattle feeder or agricultural laborer who enjoys hands-on work and wants to become an important part of a diversified farming operation in Southwest Iowa.

What's In It For You

• Competitive salary, paid twice a month
• Flexible work schedule
• Retention bonus paid after completing 1 year of continuous employment
• Discretionary bonus – based on overall work ethic, reliability, and contribution to the operation
• Possible meat bonus

What You'll Do

• Feed cattle daily and monitor livestock health, behavior and overall well‑being.
• Handle, process and mix feed ingredients according to established feeding practices.
• Assist with cattle handling and other livestock-related responsibilities.
• Operate tractors, loaders, skid steers, tillage equipment and other farm machinery.
• Support planting, harvest and general grain farming activities as needed.
• Inspect, clean and perform routine maintenance on farm equipment and facilities.
• Drive a semi for local grain, feed, livestock or farm-related hauling as needed.
• Complete general farm maintenance and other duties based on experience and skill set.
• Follow safe operating practices when working around livestock, machinery and vehicles.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in cattle production, grain farming, equipment operation or a related agricultural role is preferred.
• Dependable, self‑motivated and willing to take ownership of daily responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail, especially when monitoring livestock and operating equipment.
• Comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and seasonal farm conditions.
• Able to perform physical, hands‑on work and manage the demands of a working farm.
• Respectful of coworkers, livestock, equipment, land and other farm property.
• Willing to work flexible hours during planting, harvest and other busy seasons.
• A valid driver's license and good driving record are required.
• A CDL or previous semi-driving experience is a plus.