Hired Hand

Farm, livestock & house sitting · Central Iowa

Go on the trip. I've got chores.

Hi, I'm Micah. I grew up on a farm and I've worked ranches out West moving cattle on horseback. While you're away, I'll feed, water and check on every animal the way you do it.

  • Free walkthrough before you leave
  • Photo updates every visit
  • Morning and evening chores
  • Overnight stays available
Check my availability What I do
Micah in a black cowboy hat outdoors
Micah moving cattle with riders on horseback
Moving cattle
Micah riding out with a rancher on horseback
Out on the ranch

Services

Whatever your place runs on

Two chestnut horses at a fence

Horses

Hay, feed, water, turnout and stalls.

Angora goats grazing

Goats & sheep

Meat, dairy or fiber herds. Feed, minerals, water.

Bottle-feeding a calf

Cattle & calves

Hay, tank checks, bottle feedings, head counts.

Rooster in a yard

Chickens

Feed, water, eggs, and locking up the coop.

Farm dog in a water tub

Dogs & cats

House pets and the barn crew, fed and looked after.

Squash garden

House & garden

Mail, plants, lights, watering and picking.

How it works

Your routine, followed to the letter

  1. Reach outSend your dates, location, and what animals you have.
  2. Free walkthroughI meet the animals, learn your routine, and get your vet's number.
  3. Chores and updatesEverything done on schedule, with photos after each visit.
  4. Come homeGates latched, animals fed, and a quick rundown of how it went.

Chore card Example day

  1. Hay the horses, grain the goats, check tanks
  2. Let the hens out, top off feed
  3. Bottle for the calf, walk the fence line
  4. Evening feed, collect eggs, lock the coop
  5. Text you photos and anything I noticed
Angora goat with long curled horns Micah riding with a rancher across open range Black Angus bull in a corral Tractor lifting a bin of apples Selfie with a curious goat Truck bed full of pumpkins

Questions

Things people usually ask

What do you charge?

Every place is different, so I give you a quote after we talk through your animals, chores, and dates.

How far will you travel?

I'm based in Norwalk and cover Des Moines and Central Iowa. I also travel across the country from time to time, so if you're farther away, just ask.

Can you give medications?

Yes, following your written instructions. I'll have your vet's number before you leave.

What if something goes wrong?

I call you right away, and your vet if needed.

Contact

Heading out of town?

Email me your dates and a little about your place. I'll get back to you with my availability and a quote.

micahlavan@protonmail.com
Email Micah

Include your dates, your town, and what animals you have.