Donati Ranch Angus: Where Family and Quality Cattle Unite

Donati Ranch Angus: Where Family and Quality Cattle Unite

Nestled in the northern part of Sacramento Valley, Donati Ranch Angus is a family-run cattle and farming business with deep-rooted values and a commitment to breeding exceptional Angus bulls. Founded by Tom and Sally Donati, this ranch has become synonymous with quality and excellence in the cattle industry.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Donati Ranch program revolves around the meticulous breeding of superior Angus bulls that not only elevate the value of your calf crop but also embody calving ease genetics and desirable carcass traits. These bulls are the result of years of dedication and a keen eye for economic traits and phenotype.

Each year, Donati Ranch opens its doors to customers, offering a chance to acquire these remarkable bulls.

A Family Affair

Tom and Sally Donati's journey into the cattle industry began in their youth, growing up in commercial beef cattle production. Both are graduates of the agriculture program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which equipped them with the knowledge and passion to embark on their ranching adventure.

The Donati Ranch story started with a commercial herd, driven by a relentless pursuit of improving feeder cattle performance and carcass merit. This pursuit led them to participate in the Young Sire Evaluation Program in collaboration with the American Angus Association.

The Birth of a Purebred Herd

In the early 1990s, the Donati Ranch purebred Angus herd began as a 4-H project for their sons, Rocky and Chris. Initially, the registered Angus bull calves were integrated into the commercial herd. As the purebred herd flourished, Donati Ranch expanded its reach, marketing bulls to commercial producers through private treaty and consignment sales.

For over two decades, the bulls were showcased in the Black Gold Bull Sale. However, as the ranch evolved, so did its marketing approach. Today, the annual bull sale takes place right at the ranch in Oroville, CA.

A Focus on Excellence

Donati Ranch's breeding program prioritizes fertility, structural soundness, and performance. They are on a mission to maintain one of the most fertile and productive herds, exemplified by the consistent achievement of Pathfinder cows year after year.

In the 1980s, the Donati Ranch commercial herd participated in the Young Sire Evaluation program, an experience that underscored the importance of performance and carcass data. This invaluable information continues to guide their genetic selection, leading to the continuous improvement of their registered herd. Even the steers and heifers that don't enter the registered program contribute to the ranch's success, boasting an impressive 63% prime grading in recent years.

A Complete Package for Commercial Ranches

Donati Ranch Angus takes pride in selecting cattle based on industry factors that drive profitability in the commercial sector. Their bulls are a testament to this approach, offering a well-rounded package that includes calving ease, maternal traits, growth, and selection for carcass merit—a recipe for success for any commercial cattle operation.

Today, Donati Ranch Angus remains a family affair, with Rocky, his wife Lisa, and their three children—Nico, Gemma, and Leo—all contributing to the ranch's enduring legacy. This family-run operation is firmly rooted in the traditions of production agriculture and continues to set the standard for quality in the cattle industry.

Contact Info

Office: (530) 846-6548
Tom: (530) 693-1634
Rocky: (530) 693-1640
E-mail Us: donatiranch@wcisp.com

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