After seven years in New York City’s financial environs, Kimberly Ratcliff shifted gears to become a cattle rancher near Oakwood, Texas. Her parents bought Caney Creek Ranch in 2002, as a turnkey operation including livestock, equipment, and even some of the furniture in the house. The ranch, which started with 500 cows, was her father’s retirement dream, and after seeing the disconnect between her parents’ experience and what she was living in New York City, she felt drawn to move to Texas and use her marketing skills to help bridge the gap between the rural and urban experience.
After completing Texas Christian University’s ranch management program, Ratcliff became part of the ranch in 2007 and has worked to diversify the operation to include not only directto-consumer meat sales, but also registered cattle embryo sales, a hay business that supplies the Dallas Zoo, and a turfgrass sprigging operation. She has also become a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her story and encouraging others to support their local farmers.
SF: When your parents purchased the ranch, part of the deal was the herd of Charbray cattle. Can you tell us about that breed?
Denne historien er fra Mid-November 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Mid-November 2023-utgaven av Successful Farming.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE WOMAN BEHIND 'THIS FARM GIRL COOKS'
Coming up with quick, on-the-go meals is one of the many talents Deanne Frieders brings to the table.
HOW TO GROW A DOUBLE CROP OF CATTLE FEED
This Iowa farmer has perfected an annual system with four forage species that maximizes tonnage, resources, and feeding quality.
GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
The doctrine of title by acquiescence determines the legal boundary line between two properties and overrules the boundary listed in the deeds.
TIME WELL SPENT
Senator Charles Grassley reflects on careers in farming and government.
BUILDING FARM STABILITY
This young farmer uses regenerative practices and diversification to set up his farm for the future.
THE MEXICO MAIZE
Navigating Mexico's ban of genetically modified corn.
NEVER TOO BUSY TO LEND A HAND
Between their cattle operation, crops, and off-farm jobs, Dean and Tillie Thompson have plenty to do, but they still find time to serve their community.
WHAT SHOULD THEY EXPECT?
Problem: Two parents are conflicted about meeting their kids' inheritance expectations.
TIPS FOR A SAFE HARVEST
Follow these steps to protect you and your machinery while in the field this autumn.
9 NEW DAIRY PRODUCTS
See the latest innovations displayed at World Dairy Expo.