Location: Ulysses, Kansas

About the Company:  

Cactus Feeders is an Amarillo, Texas-based cattle company. Originally founded by the Engler Family in 1975, today we operate 15 Feedyards and Outside Cattle Locations, producing over a million head of fed cattle annually. The Company has locations throughout the Texas Panhandle, Southwest Kansas, and Eastern Colorado.

Job Description: 

The Assistant Feedmill Manager would have shared responsibility for the management of daily feed production, supervising the feed mill crew, and will report to the Feedmill Manager.

About the position:

The Assistant Feedmill Manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the feed mill, while assisting with staff supervision, training, and operational efficiency. This role includes conducting new employee orientation and training, participating in performance and wage reviews, and ensuring adherence to productivity, quality, and animal husbandry standards.

Job Responsibilities:

Operations & Production

• Supervise and support daily feed mill operations to ensure efficient and consistent production of ration diets for the feedyard.
• Monitor feed production processes and adjust as necessary to meet quality, safety, and output goals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Conduct onboarding and training for new employees, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and operational best practices.
• Provide daily coaching and direction to staff, reinforcing performance standards and supporting employee development.
• Participate in annual performance evaluations and wage reviews.
• Foster a culture of clear communication, teamwork, and accountability throughout the mill.

Quality Control

• Oversee quality assurance processes, including monitoring ingredient quality (whole grains, hay, fat, molasses, supplements, and micro-ingredients).
• Evaluate steam-flaked grain and finished feed rations for moisture, starch, and energy compliance with nutritional targets.

Maintenance & Equipment

• Support both preventative and emergency maintenance on equipment used in receiving, processing, milling, storage, and mixing.
• Manage the chemical treatment program for boiler and steam systems to maintain operational efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

• Oversee the safety program, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular inspections, training, behavioral audits, and toolbox talks.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

Financial Management

• Assist with monitoring and controlling daily operating expenses, focusing on cost-efficiency and productivity.
• Determine and administer monthly budgets for operating, repair, labor, energy, and capital expenditures.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of three years of overall management experience, with 2–5 years specifically in Feed Mill operations.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently produce high-quality feed, including precise measurement and mixing of ingredients for a four-ration diet using a batch mill process.
• Strong work ethic with a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and daily operations.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new responsibilities as the role evolves.
• Background in agriculture, with a solid understanding of production practices and industry standards.
• Genuine interest and desire to work in a production agriculture environment. 

Pay and Benefits: 

• $63,000 Annual Salary
• Competitive insurance package – health + dental + vision
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Continuing Education Scholarships for employees and direct family members

Cactus Feeders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.