The Whitcraft ranch, located 5 miles southeast of Big Sandy is the hub of all ranch operations. The majority of all shipping, calving, weaning, ultra-sounding and hay production takes place here. The Whitcraft is comprised of over 50 square miles of range, crop and irrigated lands and managed by Todd Amsbaugh. He and wife Paula started on the ranch back in 1990. Todd is responsible for all day-to-day operations within his division, ranch-wide equipment maintenance and the ranch's internship and manager in training programs.
Kelli Jensen is the chef and cooks three meals for up to 10 men/women every day.
Two key components of the operation, hay production and replacement heifer development, take place at the Whitcraft. Over 3,500 tons of hay is put up each year off two center pivots and flood irrigation. Round bales are the bale of choice and work well with Haybuster hay processors. Approximately 2,500 head of livestock are wintered at this location.
Of the nearly 1,500 head of heifer calves we have each year, 650 head are kept as replacements and fed throughout the winter. Each November weaned heifer calves are brought in and sorted phenotypically. The calves selected as replacement heifers are then weighed, BANGS vaccinated and given their second round of immunization shots as well as a parasite pour-on. Heifer calves that do not make replacement heifers (Feeder Heifers) are also weighed and given their second round of immunization shots and pour-on. These feeder heifers will qualify for NATURAL beef programs. Replacement heifers are divided into two-300 head winter feed groups. Replacement heifers are grown at a rate of .25-1.25 ADG for 120 days. Feeder heifers are grown at a rate of 2-2.6 ADG for 120 days. All livestock receive free-choice salt and CHS brand mineral supplement.
Rangeland in the West Division is a combination of rolling hills and coulees. Grasses found on this part of the ranch include, Kentucky Blue Grass, Green Needle, Needle and Thread, Brome, Wheat Grass, Tufted Hairgrass, Rough Fescue and Crested Wheat.
