Diamond Peak Ranch: Where Legacy Meets Innovation

Diamond Peak Ranch: Where Legacy Meets Innovation

A Family Legacy

In the vast expanse of Colorado's rugged landscapes, where the mountains touch the sky and the land tells stories of generations past, you'll find Diamond Peak Ranch. This sprawling ranching operation, one of the largest in Colorado, is not just a testament to innovation and entrepreneurship but, above all, a tribute to family values. At the helm of this remarkable endeavor is John Raftopoulos, a man of many roles: innovator, risk-taker, entrepreneur, cowman, and, most importantly, a devoted father and husband. It is the bonds of family that he treasures above all else.

The Raftopoulos Journey

John, along with his two sons, George and Angelo, proudly owns and operates the Diamond Peak Cattle Company. This expansive operation spans approximately 55,000 acres of deeded land, complemented by an additional 250,000 to 300,000 acres of BLM, state, and private leases. This vast footprint makes Diamond Peak Ranch one of the largest holders of grazing rights on public lands. Their cattle operation is truly impressive, boasting a herd of 2,800 head of Angus and SimAngus cross cows, with over 1,200 of them being registered purebred cattle.

A Tale of Greek Immigrants

The story of Diamond Peak Ranch is rooted in the dreams of Greek immigrants who sought a new life in the United States. John's parents, Georgia and George Raftopoulos, immigrated from Kaloscopie, Greece, a picturesque mountain village in north-central Greece. It was in the United States that Georgia met her first husband, Steve Simos, also from Kaloscopie. They settled in the mountainous terrain around Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a place that reminded them of their homeland's beauty.

Steve Simos homesteaded in Milner, near Craig and Steamboat Springs, and established a winter range in Brown's Park northwest of Craig. His lambing range was further south in Craig. In 1934, Steve returned to Kaloscopie to find a bride, and he married Georgia Vlahos. Despite a significant age difference, they embarked on a life together in the United States, continuing his sheep operation until his passing in 1948.

After Steve's death, Georgia worked tirelessly to maintain the outfit. However, after a few years, she leased it out and returned to Greece. There, she reconnected with a childhood friend, George Raftopoulos. In December 1950, they married and came back to the United States in 1951. They took over the sheep operation that Georgia and her first husband had established. Together, they expanded the operation, marking the beginning of Diamond Peak Ranch's journey.

A Cattle Empire Emerges

While the sheep operation thrived, the Raftopoulos family gradually introduced cattle to the mix. It all started with the purchase of a milk cow that had been left behind by an employee. George and Georgia maintained a small herd of 15 cattle, primarily to graze on the slew grass hay that the sheep didn't consume. The turning point came when John graduated from Colorado State University in 1978 with a degree in veterinary medicine. With his knowledge and passion, they expanded the operation to a few hundred cows, setting the stage for further growth.

In 2001, John made a significant move by acquiring 500 commercial Angus replacement heifers from the N Bar Ranch in Montana. Recognizing the potential for genetic improvement, they implemented an AI (artificial insemination) program. These 500 heifers became the foundation of the Diamond Peak commercial herd.

Leading the Way with AI

The results of the AI program exceeded expectations, and John believed he had something special to offer the industry. He began marketing registered and commercial bulls to fellow producers. Initially, PAP-tested bulls were sold through private treaty. As the demand for high-altitude Angus bulls grew, the Diamond Peak Cattle Company Annual bull sale was established in 2008.

A Commitment to Quality

Today, Diamond Peak Ranch synchronizes and breeds 2,600 cows and heifers annually, with as many as 450 cows bred in a single day. They rigorously select high-accuracy sires known for moderate frames and positive carcass traits. Essential traits like milk production, fertility, disposition, and adaptability to the rugged terrain are paramount. Diamond Peak Ranch is carving a niche market for bulls perfectly suited to high-altitude environments. PAP-tested bulls are offered at their annual sales in Loma, Colorado, Riverton, Wyoming, and La Junta, Colorado. Additionally, bulls are available through private treaty sales and leasing programs.

A Focus on Quality Genetics

With a registered cow herd of 1,200 head, Diamond Peak Ranch maintains a strict focus on genetics. Only AI-sired heifers are retained as replacements. These heifers are developed at the ranch in Craig and summered at an elevation of 7,500 feet near Hayden, Colorado.

Wildlife Conservation

Beyond cattle, Diamond Peak Ranch has embraced wildlife conservation, becoming a sought-after destination for trophy hunting in the West. Their outfitting operation, featured at Trophy-Elk-Hunting.com, is a testament to their commitment to the land and its inhabitants.

The Diamond Peak Cattle Company Breeding Program

The breeding program at Diamond Peak Cattle Company centers on sound genetic principles, emphasizing cattle's performance in the challenging high-altitude western environment. With an extensive use of AI and rigorous culling, they deliver high-quality, functional cattle.

The Diamond Herd

The "Queens of Diamond" represent Diamond Peak Ranch's elite herd, comprising approximately 1,000 cows. These cows are synchronized and AI-bred to the same sire for two consecutive years, followed by another sire for the next two years. This meticulous system, established in 2004, aims to produce consistent and uniform calf crops. The selected sires are high-accuracy, low PAP, deep-bodied, moderate-sized, and highly efficient, producing cattle adapted to the high desert environment.

Diamond Peak Ranch is more than a cattle operation; it's a living legacy that combines tradition with innovation. For inquiries and to learn more about their remarkable program, reach out to:

Diamond Peak Cattle Company
351 School St. #1
Craig, CO 81625

Office: 970-824-5750
Fax: 970-824-2908
Discover the strength of their genetics and their unwavering commitment to the cattle industry.

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