PLEASE NOTE: We will not reply if your resume does not meet position requirements. Please understand your education and experience must match our job listings for you to be considered. You must be a U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident to be considered for any U.S. positions.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThere is NO closing date on this position. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQUALIFICATIONS:\r\n \r\n\r\n- Strong, proven background in feedlot operations with at least several years of hands-on cattle experience.\r\n- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead people, preferably with prior experience supervising a cowboy crew.\r\n- Excellent knowledge of animal health, cattle behavior, and doctoring practices; able to spot, diagnose, and treat livestock effectively.\r\n- Strong horsemanship and cattle-handling skills; must be confident in both riding and roping.\r\n- Effective communicator with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.\r\n- Dependable, motivated, and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.\r\n- A real “stand-up” person with integrity, work ethic, and leadership presence.\r\n\r\nJOB DESCRIPTION:\r\n \r\n\r\nHansen Agri-PLACEMENT is assisting a large, progressive commercial feedyard in Nebraska in their search for an experienced Head Cowboy to lead the day-to-day cattle operations. This role requires a highly skilled and hands-on individual with excellent people management abilities, strong herd health knowledge, and the leadership qualities to oversee a team of cowboys in a fast-paced, professional feedyard environment.\r\n\r\nPosition Overview:\r\nThe Head Cowboy will be responsible for directing all aspects of cattle care and movement within the feedyard. This includes supervising and mentoring a crew of 7–10 full-time cowboys, ensuring proper animal health protocols are followed, and coordinating cattle receiving, processing, shipping, and daily pen activities. The successful candidate must bring a strong cattle background, a proven feedlot skill set, and the ability to make timely, accurate animal health decisions while working closely with veterinarians and feedyard management.\r\n\r\nKey Responsibilities:\r\n\r\n\r\n\tProvide daily leadership and supervision to the cowboy crew; recruit, train, and coach employees to ensure a skilled, safety-conscious team.\r\n\tOversee all aspects of herd health: spotting and diagnosing sick cattle, administering appropriate treatment, and ensuring protocols are followed accurately and consistently.\r\n\tCoordinate cattle movement, processing, shipping, and receiving to maintain smooth operations and timely handling.\r\n\tCommunicate effectively with feedyard management and other department heads (feed, maintenance, office) to align on priorities and maximize overall yard efficiency.\r\n\tMonitor cattle behavior, performance, and condition daily, identifying potential health or handling issues before they become major problems.\r\n\tMaintain accurate health and treatment records in compliance with feedyard protocols.\r\n\tActively promote a positive, team-oriented work culture; solve problems constructively and lead by example.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhy This Role?\r\nThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced cowboy seeking a leadership position in a large commercial operation. The employer values professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude, and is looking for someone who can bring both cattle expertise and people leadership to their feedyard crew.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBENEFITS:\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHealth Insurance, Matching 401k, Paid Vacation, Work Vehicle\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nALL INQUIRIES ARE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL. NO FEES TO APPLICANTS.\r\n\r\nIf you feel that you are not a candidate for this position, but know someone who is, we do offer a Referral Bonus if we place your referral into this position.\r\n
