ABOUT US
Our cattle have roamed free on our property since the first generation of our family started Petsch Ranch in 1914. Handed down from generation to generation for over 100 years, we have dedicated our life to the safety and security of our livestock and crops.
The most recent generation owning the ranch are sisters, Jeanine Bell & Sheila Petsch. They are great-great-great granddaughters to some of the greatest pioneers of Fredericksburg, Texas.
The land was used by grandparents Emil and Thekla Petsch to support the war effort during World War II, and continues to produce beef cattle, goats, and hay still to this day.
April, Kendall, and Evan, Jeanine's children, continue to carry on the legacy started so many years ago in running the many operations a working ranch needs.
Nestled only 2 miles from Luckenbach and just 16 miles from downtown Fredericksburg, our cattle enjoy all the beauty the Texas Hill Country has to offer.
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From our ranch,
to your table.
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OUR PROCESS
Our cattle are the direct descendants from over 100 years of cattle ranching. From one of the leading certified Hereford cattle ranches in the area to now a superior cross of Hereford and Angus, Petsch Cattle Company provides quality you can taste and see.
Our cattle here at Petsch Ranch are rotated across many acres of pastureland in the Texas Hill Country. They eat native grasses such as Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, and more during the growing months and are fed Coastal Hay grown right here on our ranch throughout the winter months. Our cows are fed salt licks and mineral blocks to ensure they have the necessary vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth, healthy birth, and--most importantly--healthy cattle. Our full circle feeding program provides our cattle with local nutrition from our ranch to your table.
WHAT THEY EAT & WHY
Little Bluestem
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a native grass species that is widely used as a forage plant for cattle in the United States. One of the main benefits of little bluestem for cattle is its high nutritional value. It is rich in protein, energy, and minerals, making it an excellent source of nutrition for livestock. It has a high digestibility rate, which means that cattle are able to efficiently extract nutrients from it.
Little Bluestem is also a valuable grass for soil health. It has deep roots that help to improve soil structure and fertility, as well as reduce erosion. This makes it an important component of our sustainable pasture management system.
Big Bluestem
Big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii) is a perennial grass native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. It is an important forage grass for cattle and other livestock, offering a number of benefits.
One benefit of big bluestem grass is its high nutritional value. It is rich in protein, energy, and other nutrients, making it an excellent source of feed for cattle. It is particularly high in protein during the late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages, which makes it an ideal choice for feeding growing or lactating animals.
Big bluestem grass is also highly palatable, meaning that cattle will readily consume it and derive maximum benefit from its nutrients. This can be especially beneficial during times of drought or other periods when forage is scarce.
Coastal Hay
Coastal hay is a type of hay that is typically made from grasses that grow along the coast, such as Bermuda grass, Bahia grass, and Coastal bermudagrass. Coastal hay is known for its high nutrient content, including protein, fiber, and minerals, which can be beneficial for cattle when fed as part of a balanced diet.
One benefit of feeding coastal hay to cattle is that it can help improve their overall health and well-being. The high nutrient content of coastal hay can help support the growth and development of cattle, as well as improve their immune system function. In addition, the fiber in coastal hay can help support healthy digestion in cattle and prevent digestive issues such as bloating and constipation.
Salt Licks
Salt Lick Blocks are blocks of salt that are provided to cattle for consumption. They are an important part of a cow's diet, as they help to meet the animal's nutritional needs and maintain its overall health.
There are several benefits to giving salt lick blocks to cattle:
Electrolyte balance: Salt lick blocks help to maintain the electrolyte balance in cattle, which is important for proper muscle function and hydration.
Nutrient uptake: Salt lick blocks contain trace minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of various body systems in cattle, such as the immune system and the reproductive system. These minerals can also help to improve the uptake of other nutrients from the cow's diet.
Weight maintenance: Salt lick blocks can help to maintain a healthy weight in cattle, as they can stimulate the animal's appetite and promote the intake of feed.
Reduced stress: Salt lick blocks can help to reduce stress in cattle, which can improve their overall health and well-being.
Improved milk production: Salt lick blocks can also help to improve milk production in dairy cows by maintaining proper electrolyte balance and aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
Mineral Blocks
Mineral blocks are a type of supplement that contain a variety of essential minerals that are essential for the health and well-being of cattle. Some of the benefits of giving mineral blocks to cattle include:
Improved digestion: Mineral blocks contain minerals like zinc and copper, which are essential for proper digestion.
Stronger bones: Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals that are essential for building strong bones. Mineral blocks can help ensure that cattle are getting enough of these minerals to support their growth and development.
Better coat condition: Mineral blocks contain minerals like iodine, which helps to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Increased milk production: Some mineral blocks contain minerals like selenium and zinc, which have been shown to increase milk production in lactating cows.
Improved reproductive health: Mineral blocks can help to improve the reproductive health of cattle by providing essential minerals that are necessary for fertility and pregnancy.
CrystalYX & Range Cubes
CrystalYX is a mineral supplement that can provide numerous benefits to cattle when included in their diet. Some of the benefits include improved digestion and stronger immune systems.
Range Cubes contain a balanced blend of nutrients, including protein, energy, and minerals, to support the health and reproductive performance of cows and bulls.