Nestled among the scenic Hill Country, 1894 Baxter Ranch is more than just a business; it’s a way of life that honors the symbiotic relationship between the land and our livestock. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to give you an in-depth look into the life cycle of our unique Angus herd, a breed prized for its superior marbling and high-quality beef.
Birth and Early Life
The cycle begins with the birth of a calf, which usually takes place in the fall. To make scheduling for these arrivals possible, we only allow our bulls to mingle among the cows from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. Calves are born after a gestation period of approximately nine months. In the first few hours of life, these newborns take their first steps and learn the art of nursing from their attentive mothers. Should a mother show disinterest in a calf, the Baxter family will take them home, and bottle feed them until they are strong enough to return to the herd.
Youth and Weaning
As the calves grow, they continue to remain close to their mothers while gradually exploring the pasture and their surroundings, learning to graze on the native grasses that will comprise most of their diet in adulthood. Around six to seven months, the weaning process starts. Calves are separated from their mothers and begin to develop their independence and prepare for their next life stage.
The Finishing Stage
After spending a period on our pastures, our cattle are sent to the feedlot at around 50-700 pounds. Cattle reach their final finishing stage at around 1,400-1,500 pounds. During this phase, the enhanced diet of hay and brewers’ grain improves the beef’s flavor, tenderness, and marbling. This short yet crucial period ensures that the beef meets the high-quality standards our customers have come to expect.
Once they’ve reached the desired weight and quality, the cattle are sent for processing. At Baxter Ranch, we take great care to ensure this process is as humane and stress-free as possible for the animals. The resulting beef is then prepared for sale.
From Ranch to Table
We proudly offer our premium Angus-Wagyu beef at each of our Fiesta Winery® and Arch Ray® tasting rooms. These regional outlets allow us to connect with our customers directly, ensuring they receive the freshest, highest-quality meat from our pastures.
The life of Baxter Ranch cattle is a journey—from their first steps on our beautiful pastures to the moment their high-quality, marbled beef reaches your plate. It’s a journey that involves meticulous care, sustainable practices, and a deep-rooted respect for the land and animals we steward. We invite you to experience the difference for yourself. Visit us, learn more about our operations, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible flavor of Baxter Ranch beef.