Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (March 18, 2015)
Polk County Living Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 18, 2015 7A FINDING BALANCE McKibbens honored by PCLA for supporting slow food, buy-local movements, raising healthy, grass-fed herds Photos and Story by Jolene Guzman Grass-fed, natural beef: The Itemizer-Observer D ALLAS — When it comes to “slow food” David and Bette McKibben, owners of McK Ranch, are all in. The McKibbens take their time raising the all-natural, grass-fed beef on their ranch near Dallas. They’ve also spent time finding the right balance of production to re- main one of the few ranching op- erations in Polk County to make a living solely off what they raise. “That was our goal, to be self- sustaining and not have to supple- ment our income,” Bette said. It took them a number of years before they could just focus on their herd. “We did that for quite a few years,” David said of working other jobs in addition to farming. “Then we saw the grass-fed, grass-fat- tened operation as a chance (to make a living).” He noticed the trend of people wanting to invest in healthier food about 15 years ago and decided that was one way a small operation could distinguish itself and find a following of customers. Years later, that risk has reward- ed the couple. “That trend still is growing fast,” David said. “People want to know where their food comes from and they want to eat healthy,” Bette said. The learning curve was steep, however. “I did a lot of reading,” David said. “I took classes. Then it was What: McK Ranch. Where: 3415 Ballard Road, Dallas. For more information: 503-623-6214 or www.mck- ranch.com. Bette, left, and David McKibben were named Polk County Livestock Association’s “Livestock Family of the Year” in honor of their innovation in developing an all-natural, grass-fed cattle operation. trial and error. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else will pop up.” Unexpected curve balls aside, the McKibbens believe their sys- tem is best for customers, cattle and the land. “It’s the healthiest form of meat that you can buy,” David said. “It enhances the land so we can make a profit.” That successful thinking-out-of- the-box strategy has earned the couple Polk County Livestock As- Signs point the way to McK Ranch on Ballard Road near Dallas. sociation’s “Livestock Family of the Year” honor. “They are innovative people in coming back and looking at grass- fed beef,” said Jim Clawson, PCLA past president, about why the McKibbens were chosen for the award. “They are just folks. If you ask them to do something, they al- ways respond.” Clawson added they are always willing to show people their opera- tion and talk about how they de- veloped it. “They have been particularly ac- tive and supportive of the farmers markets, too,” Clawson said. “They always step up to the plate and help make things happen.” David and Bette said the award — a secret until the night of the association’s annual dinner — was a surprise. “I didn’t have any idea,” Bette said. “There were a lot other fami- lies who were deserving of it.” But none perhaps who had the gift of good timing as much as the McKibbens. Not long after moving to grass-fed beef, other trends such as “buy local” and the “slow food” movement began to take hold. McK Ranch has been in the cen- ter of each of those waves over the years, selling at farmers markets and developing direct marketing through custom sales and a retail store at the ranch. The McKibbens even branched into wholesale. In 2012, Bette was one of 200 delegates from the United States who participated in “Tierra Madre,” a slow food conference in Italy. “It was pretty cool to be able to do that. We met people from all over the world, and one thing I found is that small farmers and ranchers all have the same set of problems,” Bette said. Those issues include how to stay profitable without working them- selves into the ground. About a year ago, David and Bette faced that challenge as well. Looking to find a different kind of balance — one that allows them to relax more — they have reduced the size of their herd and eliminat- ed some wholesale contracts. After crunching the numbers, the cou- ple have found they’ve remained on solid financial ground. “It was a good decision for us,” Bette said. “Before it was the two of us on the road every day of the week. Now I can manage it every other week, three days of the week. It’s not so exhausting.” The McKibbens now see anoth- er trend — one that gives them hope for the future of farming and ranching in Polk County. “The livestock association is growing. It’s really nice to see after all these years, it’s finally taking off,” Bette said. “Young members are coming in, which is great.” Not ready to hang up the cow- boy hat and boots, the McKibbens will still serve as an example to those young up-and-comers. “We try to go with the flow and try to be ahead of the game,” Bette said. A portion the herd enjoys the sunshine and a pasture of green grass Monday morning at McK Ranch. Look what’s coming up.... Reserve your space today! Call 503.623.2373 Talk to Heidi, Rachel or Karen. Itemizer-Observer 147 SE Court St, Dallas www.polkio.com Polk County Medical Directory is your FULL COLOR guide to all health and medical providers and facilities throughout Polk County. A large senior and baby boomer population call Polk County home. Are they aware of your business and/or services? They’re aware of us. Let us help you reach them. Deadline to Reserve: March 26 Publish Date: April 8 Deadline to Reserve: April 7 Publish Date: April 22