Questions about Tours?

The Stone family has owned and operated Yolo Land & Cattle Co. for over 20 years. They have been dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the ranch while raising one of the top commercial herds of Angus cattle in California. Used as winter and spring grazing for 500 cows, the ranch features over 100 ponds and creeks, steep terrain and fields blanketed with wild flowers in the spring. Numerous species of wildlife call the Yolo Land & Cattle ranch home: bears, mountain lions, deer, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, squirrels, raccoons, turkeys, quail, doves, hawks and eagles.

Considerable time and energy have been invested to improve the ranch ecosystem. As part of the tour, guests will learn about the multiple projects underway to restore riparian watersheds, optimize grazing patterns and increase wildlife populations while still maintaining economic viability. The tour culminates with an authentic Western beef barbecue with all the home-cooked trimmings.

Horses are an integral part of the ranch. Most of the day-to-day work with cattle is still performed on horseback, and visitors may witness the ranch cowboys at work. In addition, guests may be allowed to "climb into the saddle" (for photos) and experience the "bowlegged feeling" that comes from a hard day of working cattle. One of the common tasks performed on horseback is the time-honored art of roping. Often cattle must be lassoed in the open field so cowboys can give medication. Young calves are also roped so they can be branded. Roping demonstrations may also be given, and folks will have a chance to practice their skills on roping dummies.

Copyright 2000, Yolo Land and Cattle, Inc. All rights reserved.