Ninia Ritchie

Andrew Bivins

Dale Smith

Jay O Brien

Randal comes from New Mexico, where he worked with his father at area ranches from a very young age. After graduating high school, Randal attended South Plains College, and then to the Clarendon College Ranch and Feedlot program where he graduated with an Associate Degree in Ranch and Feedlot Business. Working in different ranches and feedlots, Randal developed an eye for sick cattle and the traditional sense of how to handle cattle. Randal s humble approach to integrity, honesty and hard work were strengthened by working with some great people at some of the most historical ranches that America has to offer. The Chappell Spade Ranch in 1997-1999. The JA Ranch in 1999-2003. The XL Ranch foreman from 2003-2008. The Swenson Ranch Wagon Boss from 2008-2010. In August of 2010 Randal returned as foreman to the JA Ranch, with his family. In his spare time, you can find Randal cooking on his grill, building tack, or forging metal.

​John Jones was born and raised on the LE Ranch near Roswell NM. In 2006 he married his wife Jennifer, and they began their life on the Turkey Track ranch outside Artesia NM. While there, they welcomed two children into their family. Quintin and Paisely. In 2014 John left NM and moved his family to the JA ranch where they lived for three years on Davis Camp. In 2017 John went to work for Pitchfork Land and Cattle Co. In 2023 life brought John and his family back to the JA Ranch, and back to Davis Camp in a brand new camp house after the original burned down.

When John isn’t busy on the ranch, he’s usually going to a High School rodeo with Quintin who rides saddle broncs, or supporting Paisley in horse judging or her 4-H goat projects. You might also find him working on a leather project or metal project in his shop.

Cage Reed was born and raised in Abilene, Texas in 2002, and followed the philosophy that if you quit going you quit learning. After high school he went to work on wagon outfits in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. This includes the O RO outside Prescott, AZ for four wagons, fall 2022 through spring 2024. That fall and winter he went to the Gray Ranch near Animas, New Mexico; then on to the UU- Ranch around Cimmaron, New Mexico. He also worked for horse operations and trainers between wagons before settling in at the JA in 2025. In his spare time Cage attempts to braid rawhide and leather, or more likely, fix something he has broken.

Colton Priest grew up in Southern New Mexico. After graduating high school, he went to Clarendon College where he went through the Ranch and Feedlot Operations program and was an active member of the ranch horse team. After graduating with his associates degree is Ranch And Feedlot Operations Business in 2023, he was one of two interns chosen from the RFO class that year. He spent the summer living in the JA bunkhouse and learning all he could. At the end of the summer, he was offered the full time position of being the Headquarters Cowboy, where he remains to this day. He is very grateful for all the knowledge and experience he has gained during his time here. He and his fiancée, Morgan plan to get married in the fall of 2026.

Ron guided his family to the JA ranch in May of 2017.  Ron brings a wealth of knowledge with him that he has gained with years of experience in construction.  His wonderful work ethic and versatile abilities are a great asset to ranch life.

December 24, 1970 – October 17, 2025

John has been with the JA Colorado ranch since 1994. For over 30 years he has been working to improve and streamline all of the working elements and efforts of the ranch. John retired in 2018 after serving 40 years with the Castle Rock Police department where he served in leadership roles as a Police Captain, Commander, and 18 years as a SWAT leader. Much of John’s career was dedicated to law enforcement although his passion has always been ranching. In addition to caring for the yearlings on the JA, John also raises his own herd of cattle.