The Rutan Family – Morgan Ranches, Idaho – Natural heritage

Heading south out of Boise, Idaho, on highway 95, cell-phone service bars drop fast. The road begins to wind through the foothills and there’s more cow-crossing signs than wildlife the closer it brings you to Jordan Valley, Ore. Here, Angus cows just work.

“You have to have a dream and a passion and you have to believe you’re put here for a reason,” David Rutan says. “I think I was put here to raise food for people.”

Their herd of 700 makes a living by turning low-quality forage into high-quality beef, thanks to supporting genetics. Strict criteria define bull-buying decisions, and only the top 10% make the cut when it comes time to bid.

Between the cattle drives, processing calves and feeding the crew, it’s a family business in every aspect. Each member brings something unique, adding value to the ranch and working simultaneously to get work done.

Different from most ranching families, Morgan Ranches hasn’t been part of the Rutan lineage. It was entrusted to David and Ann to carry on its legacy. They take that responsibility to heart, and do their best to be better than yesterday.

This is their story, part two of the mini-documentary series “A Rare Breed: Legacies of Excellence.”

Read more about the Rutan family: https://www.cabcattle.com/natural-cho...