The Crop Production Lead manages all aspects of crop production at Camas Creek Ranch and serves as the working lead for general farm laborers and H2A workers on field operations. This is a hands-on role with real ownership of the cropping program, including planning rotations, developing fertility and chemical programs, managing irrigation, and driving the performance of alfalfa, triticale, small grain, and corn silage production.

This position reports to the Farm Manager / Mechanic and works closely with the General Manager on production targets and input budgets.

Camas Creek Ranch operates a registered Black Angus seedstock program supporting more than 1,000 cows. Crop and feed production directly impacts herd performance and ranch profitability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Crop Production Management

• Plan and manage crop rotations across all Camas Creek fields, including alfalfa, triticale, small grain, and corn silage.
• Develop fertilizer programs for each rotation and interpret soil test results to make nutrient recommendations.
• Manage the soil sampling program, including sampling protocols, collection schedules, laboratory submissions, and results interpretation.
• Develop and manage herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide programs for each crop and field.
• Order seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products while coordinating delivery schedules.
• Schedule and coordinate fertilizer, crop protection, and soil amendment applications.
• Monitor crop health throughout the growing season and make timely management adjustments.
• Identify opportunities to improve yields, reduce input costs, and increase operational efficiency.
• Maintain detailed records of planting dates, inputs, yields, and field observations.
• Coordinate hay quality testing and silage fermentation sampling to guide harvest timing and ration planning.

Equipment Operation

• Operate John Deere tractors and implements across all field operations.
• Operate Massey Ferguson balers and associated haying equipment.
• Operate and calibrate sprayer equipment for accurate chemical application.
• Utilize GPS precision agriculture systems for field mapping, variable-rate application, and recordkeeping.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and minor maintenance while reporting repair needs.

Irrigation Management

• Manage and operate pivot and flood irrigation systems.
• Monitor soil moisture, crop demand, and irrigation scheduling to optimize water use.
• Troubleshoot irrigation system issues and coordinate repairs.
• Maintain valves, risers, gated pipe, pump systems, and other irrigation infrastructure.

Working Lead Responsibilities

• Communicate daily work assignments to general farm laborers and H2A workers.
• Set the pace of work and maintain crew productivity.
• Monitor work quality and correct issues in the field.
• Provide timely updates on crew status, field progress, and operational concerns.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees and H2A workers.

General Farm & Ranch Support

• Assist with hay production, including mowing, raking, baling, and stacking.
• Support corn silage operations, including harvesting, packing, and pile management.
• Assist with livestock feeding and cattle handling as needed.
• Perform fence, water system, and facility maintenance.
• Complete additional duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on crop production management experience.
• Strong knowledge of alfalfa, triticale, and small grain production, including agronomy, fertility, and pest management.
• Ability to interpret soil tests and develop fertilizer recommendations.
• Experience with GPS precision agriculture systems, field mapping, and data management.
• Competent operation of tractors, implements, sprayers, and balers.
• Experience managing pivot and flood irrigation systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in agricultural field operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including Montana heat and cold.
• Ability to lift and carry 75+ pounds regularly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corn silage production experience, including stand establishment, harvest timing, and pile management.
• Sprayer operation and calibration experience.
• Experience with precision agriculture software platforms.
• Experience working alongside or supervising H2A workers.
• Knowledge of cow/calf or feedlot operations and the relationship between crop production and cattle performance.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding outdoor position performed year-round in Montana conditions. The Crop Production Lead must be able to lift and carry 75+ pounds regularly, operate equipment for extended periods, and work long seasonal hours during planting, haying, and harvest periods.

Work Schedule & Conditions

This is a full-time, year-round position. Planting, haying, corn silage, and harvest seasons require extended hours, including weekends and holidays. Candidates must be comfortable living and working in a rural environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Health insurance in accordance with company policy.
• Paid time off in accordance with company policy.
• Opportunity to work within a respected and growing registered Black Angus seedstock program.

How to Apply

To express interest and submit your work history, contact Tyson Lind at tlind@rooneyangus.com.

Three references from previous farm or crop production positions are required.