Page 51 - FLIPBOOK ALL SOM WINTER 2022_Neat

LOCAL BEEF HAS

A RICH HISTORY

Box R Beef

by lynn leissler by dcl photography

ox R is a name familiar to many in Southern Oregon, but their reference might be
the Box R Ranch east of Ashland, founded in 1969 and operated as a guest ranch until
2016. The ranch had a small herd of cows and sold beef directly to guests. Grandson
BNick Randall grew up there, playing and developing a strong work ethic. Through
interaction with his grandpa’s cattle, he came to love them. He bought his first cows while in
college, and they have grown into the herd he and Kelsie have today. In 2017, they started Box
R Beef, ethically raised beef—100% natural and grass-fed and grass-finished, never fed grain
or corn, nor given added hormones or antibiotics, and with methods following the highest
standards.

The Randalls’ mission is to continue their grandfather’s legacy of producing the highest qual-
ity beef, while being good stewards of the land and the animals. They also want to honor him
by giving back to the community, as he did. Kelsie did not grow up on a ranch, but knew she
wanted to be around animals ever since she can remember.

Both Kelsie and Nick have day jobs as well, but are grateful for flexible hours. Between them,
they accomplish what needs to be done to run the ranch. This time of year they rise early and
feed cows, and as winter progresses, they’ll be breaking ice and making sure everybody is
healthy and in good spirits.

During calving season, they’re out in the field more. Most mothers do great with birthing on
their own, but there are always those few that require extra attention. Carefully monitored
genetics and the choice of bulls help to assure easy births for the mothers, making it less stress-
ful for everyone, animal and human. When a calf is born, Nick or Kelsie or both are there or
show up within a couple of hours. The Randalls get to know the mothers and the calves, loving
their individual personalities, and the cows feel comfortable with their humans. When Kelsie
tells a cow, “Walk,” it does.

Traditionally, there are three-four owners before the beef appears in a supermarket cooler. The
Box R Beef operation is unique in that their cows are onsite from birth to butchering. This way
consumers truly know where their beef comes from. It creates less stress for the animals and
allows the least possible environmental impact. Calves stay with their mothers for approxi-
mately nine months, then remain on the ranch until they are ready to be butchered.

Another unique aspect of the Box R
Beef operation is the age of its owners.
Kelsie and Nick are in their early thir-
ties, where typically, cattle ranchers are
in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. Randalls con-
sider it a way of life they wouldn’t trade
for anything. “It’s a great way of life. It’s
hard, though. I have cried sometimes,”
says Kelsie, laughing. She adds, “We like
each other, our cattle, our land, and our
dogs.” Yes, there are dogs, three of them.
winter 2022 | www.southernoregonmagazine.com 49