TFF Ranch works to ensure the longevity of the Highland breed
NIANGUA, MO. – Lee and Melissa Thurman, 45 and 43, began their agricultural journey in 2018. The couple wanted to introduce their son Hayden, 19, to animal husbandry skills, land stewardship, and work ethic. After establishing TFF Ranch, the pair soon discovered the benefits extended far beyond their son.
“We discovered regenerative agriculture and settled on a breed of cattle,” Melissa said. “We see it as a great opportunity to provide grass-fed beef to our community and seed stock to our customers, so they can have the same enjoyment we do.”
“It allowed us to feed ourselves by producing our own beef,” Melissa said. She said that farming has been a way of life for generations on both sides of their family; Lee assisted on his uncle’s farm during his youth, and Melissa raised sheep on her family farm.
“My husband originally called our farm ‘Thurman’s Funny Farm’ because I wanted all kinds of different animals at the time,” Melissa said. “I didn’t think it was very professional, so we ended up agreeing on TFF Ranch.”
TFF Ranch raises Scottish Highland Cattle, a hardy breed known for its foraging ability and docile, maternal instincts. In addition, the long, fluffy coat of the Highland Cattle attracts people of all backgrounds.
“If you’re going to raise livestock, it might as well look majestic in your field,” Melissa said.
TFF Ranch is a cow-calf operation based on approximately 130 acres – 60 owned and the rest leased – in Christian and Wright Counties. The ranch is focused on cattle that can thrive in a grass-fed and finished operation and runs about 30 head of cattle at any given time.
The Thurmans have been involved in Christian County’s 4-H program for over a decade as club leaders and volunteers, offering educational opportunities for FFA and 4-H youth who may not otherwise have access to farm life.
The Thurmans practice regenerative grazing with the goal of improving the soil and animal epigenetics.
“We also work towards superior genetics with embryo work and run a small herd of commercial recipient cattle to carry those embryos,” Melissa said.
Their cattle forage on mixed-species grass, hay, and winter stockpile. The operation is generally low-input, with the exception of protein tubs on an as-needed basis in the winter (Sea-90, Redmond Mineral Salt, and VitaFarm minerals).
“We show a few cattle, and they are provided show rations,” Melissa said. “We have been fortunate that our genetic pairings result in a stock that does not fall apart and transition to being high performers in our grass operation.”
TFF Ranch employs a basic health protocol. All cattle are vaccinated for respiratory disease, Blackleg, and tetanus. If any issues arise, the concerned animal is culled. Worming is only performed when needed to prevent drug resistance.
“Through rotational grazing and good minerals, we find the need for worming to be greatly reduced,” Melissa said. “This also reduces the need for any other preventative methods.”
In addition to cattle, TFF Ranch maintains a flock of chickens, which Melissa said helps with parasites and bugs and spreads manure piles.
“The more sustainable you operate, the lower your inputs are going to be,” Melissa said. “The more we regenerate the soil, the more it gives to our animals.”
This effort, she implied, is worth it. Highlands have increased in popularity, and the primary goal of TFF Ranch is to ensure the longevity of the breed.
