Matador Ranch and Cattle

Matador Ranch and Cattle

Matador Ranch and Cattle employs profitable regenerative ranching to provide customers with delicious, healthy beef while enhancing soil fertility, restoring biodiversity, improving water quality, and utilizing natural processes to sequester carbon in the soil. The ranch is dedicated to managing for greater ecosystem resilience, aiming to enhance the landscape, natural capital, and wildlife species through proactive stewardship actions.

Partnerships

The ranch is committed to fostering meaningful relationships with organizations that can drive impactful change in food systems. Notably, they have established partnerships with entities like Walmart and Prime Pursuits, which are pivotal to their initiatives.

Historical Background

The story of Matador Ranch and Cattle begins with the Beaverhead Ranch, established by Phillip Poindexter and William Orr in 1865. Orr trailed his cattle into the lower Beaverhead on Blacktail Creek, where the cattle thrived on the native grasses. This success led to the full relocation of their herd from California to Montana.

Matador Cattle Company

In 1951, Koch Beef Company acquired Matador Cattle Company, expanding it over the next 70 years through innovation and sound business practices. The ranch spans 340,000 acres, including 113,000 deeded acres and approximately 226,000 leased acres. Matador Cattle Company has received numerous environmental and ecological awards while working to create a profitable cattle ranch that enhances the native ecosystem.

Recent Developments

In December 2021, Rupert Murdoch purchased the Beaverhead and Selkirk Ranches, merging them into Matador Ranch and Cattle. This merger provides a unique opportunity to advance the cattle operation within a scenic and resource-rich landscape, recognizing the land's historical significance and its role in the ecosystem.

Agricultural Innovation

The ranch aims to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation by blending traditional ranching practices with modern solutions. They focus on producing high-quality beef while maintaining environmental integrity and resilience for future generations.

Matador Quick Stats

Matador Ranch and Cattle is more than just a ranch; it serves as a hub for exploring new solutions in agriculture. The ranch spans 380,000 acres and is home to 12,000 head of cattle. It is dedicated to improving environmental practices, community involvement, and the quality of cattle.

The Beaverhead Ranch

The Beaverhead Ranch has a rich history that began in 1865, when Poindexter and Orr drove their cattle herd to the lower Beaverhead area. The ranch has evolved significantly over the years, with Koch Industries acquiring it in 1951 and implementing sustainable practices that have garnered multiple awards.

The Selkirk Ranch

The Selkirk Ranch encompasses 50,000 acres and focuses on blending resource management with productivity. The ranch manages a predominantly Black Angus herd, utilizing high-intensity grazing practices to encourage biodiversity and soil health.

Matador Ranch and Cattle Today

As of 2021, the merged Matador Ranch and Cattle is committed to enhancing the natural ecosystem and developing one of the most innovative agricultural operations globally. With 42 pivot irrigation systems and a strategic approach to fodder and crop production, the ranch aims to optimize cattle value for premium market access.

Community Involvement

The ranch fosters a strong community spirit, employing 18 families across both divisions and collaborating with local organizations. They are a member of the Beaverhead County Chamber of Commerce and actively participate in educational programs with the University of Montana Western.

Wildlife and Ecosystem Management

Matador Ranch and Cattle prioritizes wildlife health, monitoring various species through partnerships with local Fish Wildlife and Parks. The ranch engages in numerous ecological initiatives, including bluebird rehabilitation projects and sage grouse nesting area management.

Conclusion

Matador Ranch and Cattle exemplifies a commitment to responsible ranching practices that harmonize agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship. By managing cattle with an emphasis on soil health and ecosystem resilience, the ranch ensures its operations contribute positively to both the land and the community.