The purpose of Farm Spotlight Series is to share information about various livestock farms throughout the U.S. and Canada (and overseas eventually). These are farms that are also on LivestockCity, so you can search for them or message them there. For the second farm on this series, we are highlighting BAC Ranch of Ottumwa, Iowa.
BAC Ranch is owned and operated by Brian and Amber Collett for the past 22 years, and it is designated as a “Century Family Farm.” The Iowa Department of Agriculture states that the Century Farms Program recognizes and honors those individuals who have owned the farm land for 100 years or more. The program began in 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration, when over 5,000 certificates and farm markers were distributed across Iowa at local ceremonies.
Some Black Angus herd members
Brian and Amber both grew up with exposure to working on farms. Brian grew up raising pigs and cattle as a kid but later just raised cattle. Amber grew up working with horses. They started running cattle together in 2002 and now have cattle, horses, and goats at the farm. More specifically they have registered Red Angus, Black Angus, Quarter horses, and Boer goats. The Collett’s two sons showed goats and cattle in FFA and were also part of the Iowa High School Rodeo. The Colletts also sell breeding stock for those interested in acquiring new breeding stock or goats for FFA/4H. The also grow their own hay (small square alfalfa bales and grass/alfalfa mix hay). There’s 60 acres of corn and soybeans, so the Colletts are able to produce their own feed for their animals. And lastly the Colletts offer grain-fed beef for sale.
A Red Angus youngster.
For those just starting out in livestock production, Amber’s advice is that it will ranching will not be easy, but persevere and you will through the hard times.
For more information about BAC Ranch or to reach out to them, you can find Amber at LivestockCity, on Facebook (BAC Ranch Red and Black Angus), email at Bacranch@gmail.com, or on our webpage at Bacranch.net.
If you are interested in having a story written about your farm, contact us. Follow us on Livestockcity, X, Instagram, Facebook, @livestockcity.
