Also called: Pen Checker, Cattle Doctor (Feedyard), Feedyard Cowboy
Rides horseback through feedlot pens every day to spot sick cattle early and move them for treatment.
Pen riders saddle up at first light and ride slowly through pen after pen, watching each animal's ears, eyes, and breathing. When they spot a sick steer, they gently sort it out and bring it to the hospital barn. It is real cowboy work, done in all weather.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. Horsemanship and cattle experience; training happens on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Animal Science (2-year), Ranch Management.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 45-2093: Decline (-1% or lower).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI cameras that spot sick cattle by gait are in testing; riders still doctor and move animals, but yards may need fewer by 2036.
Classes: Animal science CTE, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 45-2093.
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