Our cattle operation serves as the ranch's primary source of income. For this reason our ultimate goal is to produce the highest quality, most environmentally-adapted cattle possible while using the least inputs necessary to provide sustainable, healthy and nutritious beef product from our landscape to our consumer.
Our cattle management ideologies involve working with nature, not against it. We time our calving season to coincide with the forage production of our range grasses and manage grazing patterns to mimic those similar to wildlife migrations.
Management and the crew have worked relentlessly to infuse high power genetics to improve economically important traits that contribute to the overall productivity of the breeding operation. Over the last year, selective culling, an updated vaccine program and a revised mineral supplementation package have made a difference in the performance of our cattle operation.
During the fall and early winter, our calves are weaned and moved to irrigated pastures. Generally, at this time steers are sold, while select heifers are retained throughout the winter to join our replacement herd for breeding in the spring.
We winter most of our cowherd out on the range with the exception of some older cows and younger first-calf heifers. During this time cattle have access to quality protein and vitamin-mineral supplements to assist with their nutritional needs. On rare occasions, when conditions such as harsh winters prove to be challenging, our herd is provided hay that has been produced on the ranch to maintain their health and prosperity.
