In 2001, after a year or so spent in deciding just what cattle to raise, the first British White cows arrived at the ranch.  The two old photos above are from those early days.  Much has changed for both the cows and me, but much remains the same.  The British White breed was chosen as much for it's fascinating and storied history  as for the gentle nature and ease of care-taking of this old and hardy breed that has been the beef of Kings and royalty for hundreds of years in the United Kingdom.  Since those beginnings, J. West Cattle Company has established a highly regarded British White Cattle breeding program.     
      The fortuitous selection of my first herd bull, DFTX Watson (aka Doc), led me to focus my breeding program on moderate framed cattle with great depth and breadth of body, easy-keeping abilities, as well as for intense and highly heritable docility.  Selection for these traits proved an excellent initial direction for the ranch. 
      Many years ago I tested most all of my cattle for Feed Efficiency with Genestar.  Of the 35 anchor cows and bulls tested for this trait, the average score was 6 of the 8 identified markers for Feed Efficiency, which is by all accounts an excellent result for both this herd and the British White breed. I made a lot of breeding decisions based on those results.  
      For both the traditional grain based feedlot producers and grassfed producers, feed efficiency has become of paramount importance in today's economic environment of rising grain and fuel costs.   Feed efficient herd sires are highly sought after, and the British White breed is positioned to provide those feed efficient genetics, along with excellence in beef Tenderness and Marbling.
      In 2004, the ranch transitioned from a traditional grain-supplemented operation to 100% AGA (American Grassfed Association) protocols and has never looked back.  The result has been a safer, healthier environment for all the animals that call the ranch home.  Alfalfa was once the main source of supplementation in the winter months, but for several years now my cows have had no need of alfalfa to stay fit.  The focus on Feed Efficiency has proven a wise move.
      About 15 years ago, I began a mid-size breeding focus with my part of my herd. It has been a quite a journey watching the results of my breeding decisions.  Working with those with the lowest birth weights as well as frame score in my herd.  J.West's Fairy Delight, J.West's Mazarati, and J.West's El Presidente genetics were put to work with outstanding results  Today, I produce full pedigree British White heifers and bulls that will replicate themselves with mid-sized calves - or as I prefer to refer to them - Classic Frame British White Cattle.  The top end of the Classic Frame is the frame 3 cow, which is found in all British White herds.