Transparency, From Pasture to Plate

Christensen Ranch is operated by cousins, Eric Christensen and Kathy Wood and their families. They pride themselves on doing what’s right for their cattle and the land. It’s been that way since their grandfather, Ed Christensen, began building the ranch more than a century ago.

In 1995, the family began feeding and marketing their naturally raised beef to a wider audience with custom quarter, half, and whole beef shares. In 2000, they shifted their focus to Red Angus cattle.

Eric and Kathy let their Red Angus roam the northeastern Colorado plains for one year after calving to ensure they have enough time to grow naturally – a tradition that their grandfather established back in 1949.

The family loves sharing their ranch-raised beef with people who want a personal connection with their ranchers. Since they began selling their beef online in 2017, they have shipped beef boxes, beef shares, and smoked beef snacks to families in all 50 states and Canada.

Expanding Opportunities

Kathy and Eric partnered with Premier Farm Credit more than 10 years ago.

“They are people that we know. They’re people that are part of the community and they understand the business that we’re in,” Kathy said. “They give us a peace of mind that when things aren’t going well, and you’re going to have years where they don’t, they’re in it for the long haul.”

When Eric and Kathy looked to expand their business by shipping their beef direct-to-consumer, they needed a lender who would work with them as they doubled their herd.

“Premier Farm Credit was right there with us. They understood what our long-term vision was, and they are committed to giving us the tools we need to continue to grow our branded beef program and the ranch as a whole for generations to come,” she said.