Producer Profiles

Farmers have their brand of tractors, and cattlemen have their breed of cattle.

Most ranches in the U.S. take sterling pride in their family name and tradition. The Neal Ranch in Louisiana is no different, but the name and tradition goes several ways – all of them reinforcing the other.

McKenzie, North Dakota’s Black Leg Ranch is raising the bar when it comes to diversifying the operation.

What do the Pecos River, a pharmacist, downhill skiing and ranching have in common? If you live near Pecos, that would be John Rediger of JR Land and Cattle Company.

Most beginning cattlemen would get discouraged when paying $400 a pair in pasture leases only to get $1.40 for 5-weight steers. And, on top of that, staying up-to-date with loan payments and the daily expenses that accrue when raising cattle.

Pete Hymel may not have the biggest operation in the Southeast. But he certainly has one the best-smelling ranches.