Operating continuously since 1875, Elwood Ranch runs a unique performance-oriented commercial cow-calf operation across the rugged landscape of Northern California. Our cattle are developed with a strict emphasis on functionality, longevity, and profitability under real-world rangeland conditions. Elwood Ranch is all-natural, GAP 4, Angus Verified, NHTC, and Neogen Igenity certified.
Commercial Cattle Program
Performance-driven since 1875
We capitalize on heterosis through a structured breeding program, emphasizing maternal efficiency, hybrid vigor, and calf performance.
We have been artificially inseminating our commercial herd for 15 years. Our calves are Neogen DNA-tested shortly after birth, giving us genomic-enhanced insight into traits such as growth, carcass merit, feed efficiency, and maternal potential. Our herd ranks in the top 2% for average daily gain and yearling weight, and in the top 4% for weaning weight across all breeds in the Neogen Igenity testing program. We are in the top 10% for tenderness and carcass weight. We remain in the top 15% for heifer pregnancies because not sacrificing fertility for carcass merit is something we believe is foundational to a successful operation. This is one of the most well-rounded herds you will find in the country.
We retain ownership on a majority of our calves through finishing and consistently collect individual feed intake data as well as comprehensive carcass data, including ribeye area, marbling, yield grade, and hot carcass weight. These records feed directly back into our replacement and sire selection decisions, allowing us to build generations of cattle with documented real-world performance.
Our goal is to produce efficient, structurally sound, and data-proven cattle that thrive in rangeland environments, breed easily, and deliver consistently high returns through the feedlot and grid.
