Thomas Cattle Company, a fourth-generation cow-calf operation based in Oreana, Idaho, is making strategic moves to stay cutting-edge in today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. While preserving the foundational elements of their ranch, Seth and Elizabeth Thomas, and Logan and Kristin Thomas, are focused on innovating their business model to ensure long-term success for future generations.

Ranchers shifting from cattle production to other endeavors are driven by many reasons and goals. Operations must have a solid plan backed by knowledgeable direction and commonsense experience for a greater chance of success.

The third generation of the Cates family to farm within Lowery Creek's twists and turns is committed to conservation and providing high-quality grass-fed beef.

Grit and resilience describe Shawn and Molly Brown, a mother-daughter duo raising Scottish Highland beef cattle at Forage Girls Farm in Wisconsin. While running a cattle ranch has its challenges, the Browns share the rewards ranch life has to offer.

Regenerative agriculture is about farming and ranching in a way that supports people, the environment and soil health by employing specific practices that vary from one region to another.

Greg and Lynn Gardner purchased the ranch in 1990. Today, along with their daughter Brittany and her husband, Wacey Cathey, they manage a cow-calf business on approximately 28,500 acres, which includes their deeded land along with neighboring private, state and tribal leases.

Few times in history has the cattle industry offered more opportunity for profit to conscientious producers than right now. That was the primary message of CattleFax CEO Randy Blach’s executive summary at CattleFax’s Industry Outlook Seminar on Feb. 2. 

No matter the choice of protein, consumers often want a memorable dining experience for the holidays, and if done right, direct-to-consumer businesses have the opportunity to capitalize on these traditions.

Grass-fed beef is a growing niche market in the U.S. Consumers are also showing an increased interest in learning where their food comes from. Combining this niche market with direct marketing creates a great opportunity for beef producers.