We’re hands-on folks, dedicated to the Ranch and its day-to-day operations as well as its long-term success. Our sons grew up in 4-H beef projects, selling replacement heifers and market steers at the county fair, and winning Champion and Reserve Champion honors at state, regional and national shows. Our sons have learned to drive, shoot, work cattle, ride and try their hands at roping here on the ranch. Dan and the boys are excellent outdoorsmen: they all fly fish, shoot, hunt, ride and backpack. They love the outdoors. One son will soon be a vet for all types of animals including livestock, small animals, exotics and wildlife. Our other son is a mechanical engineer. You can still put him on a tractor a leave him alone and he’s happy, great to have around to troubleshoot all kinds of problems with equipment, vehicles, and more! Most importantly, we recognize that we are custodians of this land and caretakers of its inhabitants.

We’re committed to breeding cattle that work in challenging environments, and our Brangus and Ultrablack cattle work very well in our semi-arid area. We use both ranch-raised bulls and artificial insemination to be sure that we continue improving the characteristics that bring a premium to our buyers.

We were one of the first Brangus breeders in California to develop “West Coast-Style Brangus.” Many customers want their cattle to be black-hided, deep and long with little leather. No ear. They want cattle that look like an Angus but have all the hardiness, disease resistance, mothering ability, and adaptability of the Brangus. Disposition is important, too. We work cattle on foot, horseback, ATV and with dogs. They move quietly and easily in the canyons, pens and working corrals.

New tools like ultrasound help us identify high-performing individuals, especially important to bull buyers. We test for rib eye size, total fat and marbling, but also perform the new TenderScan test which predicts carcass tenderness – and who doesn’t want to know which calves will become choice+ or even prime! We also use the newest DNA testing to determine which bulls and females have a genetic predisposition for feed-efficiency, high marbling and tenderness. But genetic predisposition is just one half of the equation; expression of those genetic traits depends on environmental factors such as a healthy mother, adequate nutrition, a low-stress environment and a proper preventive health program.

When a female produces a premium calf for an extra few years due to her great longevity, that’s dollars in your pocket. When a bull keeps his condition and fertility so that you get the most for your investment, that’s extra dollars, too.

Our attention to detail translates into success for our customers. When we sell cattle to a commercial cattle grower, we want that experience to result in real value seen years from now. We want the customer to know that they get the best, most predictable and reliable product. And it’s not just a one-time sale: we want buyer feedback to know what works best for that buyer’s environment and at his sale barn. Fewer inputs, greater production. Happy customers. We can provide value to your program. Come see us or call for more information. Spanish Ranch cattle may be bred for the West, but they perform just about anywhere.