Clayton Gustad
Platte,SD
Summary
Hard working ranch hand with strong skills in animal handling, veterinary work, and equipment operation and maintenance. A detail-oriented individual with respect and care for the company. Proven ability to ensure livestock health and safety through effective and efficient care practices.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Day Worker
Lazy T R Arrow Ranch
Burke, South Dakota
01.2022 - 09.2026
- Gathered and sorted cattle for shipping, branding, and artificial insemination days to ensure smooth operations
- Administered vaccines to cattle to prevent disease
- Doctored cattle on pasture to maintain herd health and address medical needs
- Cut and banded calves during branding and calving to promote herd health and management
- Rotated cattle on a strict rotational grazing program
- Feed cattle as well as put out salt and mineral
- Fixed and maintained fences, water tanks and other ranch related infrastructure
- Assisted with unloading and loading of cattle pots
Day Worker
Charles Mix County Livestock Auction
Platte, South Dakota
12.2025 - 08.2026
- Pushed cattle into sale ring while horseback, facilitating smooth auction process.
- Sorted cattle by sex, size, color, and quality to prepare for auction.
- Penned cattle back while horseback
- Loaded out sold cattle
- Cleaned and maintained pens post-sale to ensure optimal conditions for livestock.
- Docked trailers and pots in
Day Worker
Sutton Ranch
Burke , SD
02.2023 - 08.2026
- Doctored cattle on pasture to maintain herd health and productivity
- Provided vaccinations to ensure animal health and productivity.
- Cut and banded calves during branding and calving seasons to ensure quality control
- Gathered and sorted cattle for shipping, branding, and artificial insemination days
- Assisted with unloading and loading of cattle pots
Day Worker
Hidden Prairie Ranch
Platte, South Dakota
01.2022 - 08.2026
- Administered vaccines, pour-on treatments, brands, tags, and EID tags during branding season
- Doctored cattle on pasture horseback as well as in the yard with a chute
- Gathered and sorted heifers for CIDR placement and administered breeding shots.
- Moved cattle between pastures to optimize grazing efficiency
- Built and fixed permanent fences as well as temporary hot fences for rotational grazing
- Distributed salt and mineral supplements to support cattle health and other day to day tasks
Ranch Hand
DeHaan Feedlot
Platte , SD
11.2021 - 08.2026
- Operated and maintained farm equipment for efficient cattle care.
- Assisted in the daily care of livestock, including feeding and watering animals.
- Provided medical treatments to sick or injured animals.
- Implemented proper sanitation practices to ensure a clean environment for livestock.
- Conducted regular inspections of facilities and fences for safety and repair needs.
- Repaired broken fencing or other structures on the property.
- Sorted cattle to a frame and weight protocol for shipping to slaughter and sale
- Facilitated docking process for cattle, ensuring proper handling. as well as loaded cattle for sale and slaughter
- Transported feed, supplies, and livestock between locations.
- Led efforts in haymaking, including cutting, baling, Transporting and storage.
- Managed irrigation pivots from river water and lagoon settling basins
- Used computer software to keep records of doctored cattle as well as some billing related activities
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Animal Science
Mitchell Technical College
Mitchell SD05-2028
High School Diploma -
Platte-Geddes High School
Platte, SD05-2026
Skills
- Veterinary assistance
- Cattle management
- Livestock handling
- Equipment maintenance
- Tool maintenance
- Horsemanship
- Roping/Other ranch related skills
- Record keeping
Certification
- BQA Certifications (Cow Calf and Feedlot)
- South Dakota CDL
Affiliations
- South Dakota High School Rodeo Association
- South Dakota 4H Rodeo
- FFA (Livestock Judging and Ag Sales Competitions) Aswell as chapter Vice President 2025-2026
- Bible Studies
- Volunteering through FFA
Acomplishments
- State Qualifications in Team Roping for both SDHRA and 4H Rodeo
- Ranch Rodeo Fundraiser for Farm and Ranch Disaster Relief
Timeline
Day Worker
Charles Mix County Livestock Auction
12.2025 - 08.2026
Day Worker
Sutton Ranch
02.2023 - 08.2026
Day Worker
Lazy T R Arrow Ranch
01.2022 - 09.2026
Day Worker
Hidden Prairie Ranch
01.2022 - 08.2026
Ranch Hand
DeHaan Feedlot
11.2021 - 08.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Animal Science
Mitchell Technical College
High School Diploma -
Platte-Geddes High School