Yolo Land & Cattle

Yolo Land & Cattle Co. raises Angus cattle on a 7,500-acre hill ranch, rotationally grazed on native grasses and clovers from November through May or June. In summer, most cattle move to irrigated pasture ranches to keep grazing green grass while the hill ranch rests. No antibiotics, hormones, grain, or artificial supplements are used; any animal needing antibiotic treatment is marked and removed from the grass-finishing program. Cattle are handled with a low-stress, humane system based on a Temple Grandin design, and calves are weaned with Quiet Wean Tags for a gradual transition. The ranch pursues active rangeland restoration with government agencies, nonprofits, universities, and private entities, guided by a philosophy of leaving managed land in better condition than when stewardship began. The ranch has received an Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP) for its conservation work.