The Ratcliff program is built on total performance, and has been from the beginning. Ratcliff first used registered bulls to use in his own commercial herd. He wanted meat and muscle then, and he still does. He hasn't chased show ring trends or bred for extreme - only top performing Angus Cattle.

Today at Ratcliff Ranch
"We have tried to produce something we know enough about so that when we stand behind it, we feel very comfortable," Jim Ratcliff says. "Our goal is to develop cattle that will do exactly what these packers are requiring today. We pride ourselves on what's said is done. Our word probably means as much to us as anything."

The criteria for Ratcliff cattle are tough. Whether they have an elite pedigree or are an ET calf, performance is demanded. Yearling bulls that make the "keeper" pen must have a WDA of at least 3.0 lb. This selection pressure on total performance has helped Ratcliff provide performance proven bulls for more than 30 years.

In the beginning, the Ratcliff herd was founded on many of the top performing cow families in the breed. As the herd grew, Ratcliff Ranch developed its own cow families that have gone on to become foundation genetics in many leading programs around the country. Cattle are bred at Ratcliff Ranch, not multiplied. Breeding decisions are based on real world cattle economics, and cows have been mated to proven sires in the Angus breed.

All yearling bulls are performance tested on the ranch for gain, feed efficiency and ultrasound measurements are taken to determine potential carcass traits. The bulls are developed on a ninety-day feed test with a minimum of one acre of grass per bull. The bulls are hand fed a heifer ration of 2-2.5% of their body weight with free choice native hay. Our bulls freely expressed their lean potential rather than disguising a lack of potential with excessive fat cover. Upon viewing our bulls their genetic potential becomes evident. We feel that this practical approach to bull development ensures the longevity of our customers’ investment.

Our steers and heifers are fed at Darr Feedlot in Cozad, Nebraska and Chappell Feedlot in Chappell, Nebraska. We are constantly collecting feedlot performance and carcass data on our cattle as well as our customers’ cattle to continuously increase profit potential. We are also starting to feed some of our cattle in an “all natural program” to explore the potential of carcass premiums on the all-natural grid formulas for high quality Angus genetics.

With an extensive ET program, donor selection is based on performance. "We've always tried to be real strict with the performance of our donors before we put them into our program," Ratcliff says. In addition to their own cows, Ratcliff Ranch uses satellite herds to develop embryo calves.

The goal at Ratcliff Ranch is profitability for both Ratcliff and their customers. Matings based on high accuracy sires increase productivity, performance and profitability. Through the use of ultrasound, EPDs, actual feedlot performance and carcass data, Ratcliff Ranch seed stock will hit the premium target in any value-based marketing environment. The result is a strong base of customers that rely on Ratcliff Ranch performance year after year.

Another element of Ratcliff Ranch customer service is their determination to expand marketing opportunities. Because of extensive feed yard experience, Ratcliff Ranch offers assistance in marketing feeder calves. Ratcliff Ranch has established relationships with several feedlots willing to work to maximize the genetic potential of your calves. Because of the "bred in" genetic potential, Ratcliff Ranch cattle will work in virtually any value-based marketing environment, designed for the producer to receive a premium for higher performing cattle.