Katie Hunter is carrying on the legacy founded by her grandparents
EL DORADO SPRINGS, MO. – In 1981, Charles and Dorothy Silvers founded Silverline Ranch, a Black Angus cattle operation in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Years later, their granddaughter is carrying on the family legacy.
Katie Hunter, 37, is proud to continue the generational tradition of farming. Following her father’s passing, she returned to the ranch to be closer to family and assist her grandparents with ranch duties.
She and her husband, Michael, 43, are now fully immersed in the world of ranching. As third-generation ranchers, they operate a Black Angus program, just as Charles and Dorothy did all those years ago.
“My husband and I also started a beef company, implementing a specialized nutritional regimen across our herds,” Katie said, referring to Silverline Cattle Co., adding that this approach has enhanced overall herd health as well as reproductive outcomes and breed-back percentages.
“[We are] ensuring we maintain the high standards necessary to serve our national customer base.”
Silverline Ranch sits on approximately 1,800 acres – 500 of which are dedicated to hay. The Hunters manage 604 head of cattle, including cows, wean calves, pasture calves, bulls, and reserve beef cattle, divided into six herds across various pastures.
Because it’s a pasture-raised operation, cattle are grazed in spring, summer, and fall; when grass isn’t available, the cattle are provided hay (including nutrient-dense prairie hay). Recently, the farm has begun testing its hay to optimize nutritional supplements, including tubs, grain, and minerals.
“Drought conditions taught us the importance of supplementation and incorporating native, nutrient-rich grasses to reduce reliance on additives,” Katie said.
As far as herd health is concerned, cattle are handled twice a year, with a focus on ethical, low-intervention health practices. Katie stated the ranch avoids utilizing hormones, instead opting for a more holistic approach; this, she said, has significantly improved herd health.
Cattle are provided with basic care, including worming and subcutaneous vaccinations, such as Bovilis Vision 7 Somnus, VL5+HB, and a pinkeye vaccine in the spring, as well as a parasite pour-on. Cattle are monitored daily for any health issues.
“Our goal is to provide only what the cattle need without overdoing it,” Katie said, “ensuring their well-being and ethical treatment.”
She stated that the operation is transitioning to regenerative agricultural practices with the goal of enhancing land and livestock health.
Relying solely on cattle income to maintain a legacy ranch is no easy task, but Katie isn’t daunted. Silverline is taking steps to enhance environmental stewardship and reduce costs by utilizing natural resources instead of synthetic chemicals, based on a phased approach inspired by webinars and online classes.
“Balancing sustainability and profitability is an ongoing process, especially as we recover from significant losses,” Katie said. She alluded to the recent challenges the farm has faced: the loss of her grandfather in 2021, fire damage, and even a small tornado.
“However, these hardships have taught us resilience and the importance of adapting in agriculture.”
The long-term vision of the farm adopts a “sky’s-the-limit” approach, featuring farm tours, hosting events, opening a café, and even offering staycations to connect with customers on a deeper level.
“I do this for both God and my family,” Katie said. “To me, there’s no better way to glorify God than by being a good steward of His land and animals.”
