I’m not so sure it fair to say the prior manager was “let go” because often that refers to someone who is involuntarily fired. Sometimes long term employees leave due to an advantageous arrangement for all concerned. There’s another online article referring to the ex-ranch manager’s new employment as ranch manager at a very large and prestigious Alberta ranch that was recently donated to support the University of Calgary’s veterinary program. He’d worked at Nicola Ranch for 19 years and obviously came with highly regarded references.
Regardless, in April, 2017 Nicola Ranch decided to contract out its haying operations and so the services of a ranch manager were no longer required according to this report.
Bradner R Farms assumes haying operation at Nicola Ranch - Merritt Herald
“The ranch will retain a full-time cowboy crew of four to manage its cattle, Williams said.”
I’ve not noticed it mentioned exactly why Ben was hired in Nov, 2018 other than speculation. There was almost a year and a half gap in time.
The specific ranches impacted by the discovery of bovine TB in October, 2018 haven’t been mentioned either, other than the location of Nicola Valley. So my speculation is just that, more speculation.
However the report below does happen to mention extra staff might need to be hired and the timing is interesting to note as well. I’m not aware of exactly what added workload or what strict protocols and controls must be put in place but I can understand the seriousness of a bovine TB scare, even in the immediate area, and why it could prompt the hiring of a ranch manager by an absentee owner. The disease has the potential to cause an entire herd to be put down if the risk is not closely monitored.
“CIFA has placed movement controls on approximately 18,000 animals in 25 herds as the investigation continues.
“Testing, humane destruction, and disposal are carried out as required,” the statement reads.
“They have a very strict protocol to follow,” Boon told the Herald, noting sometimes ranchers question or challenge it.
“
For a lot of guys there are other things they need to be doing. They need to hire extra staff a lot of times.....”
Bovine disease traced to Nicola Valley cows - Merritt Herald
How this might connect to Ben’s disappearance is unknown because the RCMP have given us no inkling of a potential motive of others involved, aside from declaring circumstances of his disappearance to be suspicious. They’ve also never stated if they believe work related matters to be suspected. It’s still one big question mark for now, hopefully not for long though.