BOW & ARROW RANCH
Valentine, NE
About The Ranch
The Bow and Arrow Ranch is a traditional cow/calf operation located 25 miles south of Valentine, NE in the heart of the sandhills. Founded in 1980 by an absentee owner from Alabama, the Bow and Arrow Ranch is a great place for people to live and work at. It has a family atmosphere and all the employees have been there a long time, a few have been with the operation for 28-30 years. The ranch has added in some cross-fencing, however, it doesn’t implement much change and remains very traditional.
Tom Davis is the manager of Bow and Arrow Ranch. He is passionate about raising livestock and watching the calves grow into the final product at weaning. Tom’s top goal is to produce the best product, whether that be replacement heifers, calves, or hay to sell or put back into the ranch, and to accomplish it safely and efficiently. Tom has a sense of fulfillment when seeing the progress of the calves and cows. And seeing the results in the fall at weaning. He takes pride in producing the best.
The Mentors
Tom Davis
Tom Davis came to the ranch as a hired hand in 1986 and in 1996 he became manager of Bow and Arrow Ranch. Tom’s wife Kris also works on the ranch and helps with everything from cattle work to record keeping. Tom and Kris have one son, who lives and works in Colorado.
Tom’s priority is taking care of the cattle. Tom loves to teach and help people learn about ranching. He enjoys working with young kids and seeing the progress they make while on the ranch. He gets excited when they start asking questions and he sees their interest sparked.
Aaron Hockenbarry
and
Zeb Graham
Aaron was born and raised in Kilgore, Ne, and has been ranching his entire life. Aaron’s kids all grew up on the Bow and Arrow Ranch and worked in the hayfields. Aaron manages the calving barn during the calving season but completes all ranching tasks needed.
Zeb grew up in Valentine and was a classmate of Tom’s son. He has been with Bow and Arrow Ranch for 8 years. He has two kids in school and they help out on the ranch when they can.
The Intern
Duties
An intern will work with Tom, Aaron, and Zeb on a variety of ranching tasks as their capabilities allow including, but not limited to: daily livestock care, checking and moving cows, fixing fences, and putting up hay. Horses are utilized as well as four-wheelers for daily ranch tasks.
Bow and Arrow Ranch is willing to work with and teach an intern anything about livestock, ranching tasks, and business, the intern wishes to learn. Tom will include the intern in everything possible.
Desired Skills
Valid Driver’s License
Punctual
Respectful
Willingness to learn and ask questions.
Physically able to do ranch work.
The Details
Length of Internship: 3 Months
Stipend: Bow and Arrow Ranch will pay a monthly stipend estimated at $2,100.00/month.
General work hours: The typical work week is 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the haying season, hours are generally 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and a half day on Saturdays. The regular day off is Sunday.
Housing and meals: A bunkhouse is provided at the ranch which is furnished and includes all utilities. The bunkhouse includes a kitchen and beef will be supplied. Pets are allowed with prior permission. Smoking is allowed only outside. Interns are required to clean up after themselves.
Vehicles: A ranch vehicle will be provided for the interns use.
Cell Phone Service: Viaero and US Cellular service
Living on the Bow and Arrow Ranch: Valentine, NE is 25 miles away and has all basic amenities including places to eat and drink, grocery stores, hotels, a health clinic, a post office, and gas stations. Valentine offers many recreational activities including fishing, hiking, floating the river, and canoeing. Community events include brandings and the county fair in August.
Educational Activities: The intern will have the opportunity to attend select workshops and participate in various ranch tours.
