Friona Industries Pen Rider’s priority is to ensure and maintain the health and welfare of the cattle in the feedyard. An effective Pen Rider serves as the first line of detection and communication regarding the health and welfare of the entire feedyard. A Pen Rider will work closely with all feedyard departments both as an individual and as a member of a team to establish the highest quality care and maintenance of the feedyard to ensure the welfare of livestock while contributing to the overall success of the feedyard team.
Roles and Tasks
• Adhere to Beef Quality Assurance standards and procedures
• Observe livestock daily to recognize and report sick cattle and various feedyard problems
• Immediately report any unusual or excessive sickness to the cattle manager
• Inspect water and watering system every time a pen is entered and report any issues or maintenance necessary to the Cattle Manager
• Segregate and remove sick cattle from pens and transfer them to hospital area containment
• Place all stray cattle in proper pens and be constantly alert for cattle requiring additional attention
• Assists in shipment and movement of cattle by opening gates, driving cattle to required areas for weighing and counting, and handling strays
• Care and maintenance of horses, tack, and facilities
• Sort and return hospital cattle back to pens as required
• Rides and handles horses safely with awareness of surroundings and potential harmful situations
• Observe and record all stiff and prolapsed cattle and pull if necessary
• Continual observance and adherence of all safety policies and procedures
• Promote, support, and participate in all company policies, procedures and programs
Specific Knowledge:
• Basic Knowledge of livestock health and habits
• Knowledge of fundamental animal health programs
• Understand and apply human handling policies and procedure of cattle and horse livestock
• Understand the consulting veterinarian’s requirements regarding cattle to be pulled
• Experienced in safe horse riding, handling, and maintenance
Special Conditions / Requirements:
• Physical Requirements Include: standing, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, shoveling, working equipment, and handling livestock, mounting, dismounting and riding
• Considerable exposure to weather such as: rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat, cold, wind, and dust
• Daily close proximity to livestock
• Occasional physical exertion during administration of medical attention
Skills Required
- Basic knowledge of livestock health and habits
- Knowledge of fundamental animal health programs
- Understand and apply humane handling policies and procedures for cattle and horses
- Understand consulting veterinarian requirements for pulling cattle
- Experienced in safe horse riding, handling, and maintenance
- Ability to observe livestock and recognize/report sickness and feedyard issues
- Ability to segregate and move cattle, operate gates, and assist with shipments
- Physical ability to stand, walk, lift, bend, kneel, shovel, mount/dismount and work in all weather
- Adherence to Beef Quality Assurance standards and company safety policies
What We Do
Friona Industries is dedicated to producing beef responsibly, focusing on animal care, quality, and sustainable practices. Founded in 1962, it has grown into a leading cattle feeder.
