Pines to Palms to
F
or the past several years I’ve sought escape from the long Minnesota winters to the warm tropical sunshine state. Swapping out my snow-covered pines for sun bleached palm trees, white sandy beaches and Bermuda grass fairways. I was excited about this trip as I had made some plans to visit a few ranches and take advantage of some travel to visit some new locations. Florida still surprises me, a 30 ft putt that went in after 5 days of missing them (first eagle on Clearwater’s #14), and the drive to Big Timber Cattle Company. I remarked to my chauffer (my cousin Richard) to let me know when we hit cattle country. He replied with an assuring “OK, but we’re here.” As we pulled into Big Timber Cattle Company in Lithia, FL this past March I was struck by how suburban it was. It never did become rural at least to my midwestern definition of rural. Yet there I was, staring at a herd of Angus cattle, not more than 25 miles from the city of Tampa. Hay rounds line the property adjacent to the busy street that brought me here, and I suspect also double as a way to reduce road noise. The barn on my right displays the Certified Angus Beef logo which faces the road for all to see. It also houses the main office, where I find and meet owner Richie Longanecker.
20
American Beef Producer
May/June 2021