Although the size and quality of Douglas Lake Ranch has enabled it to diversify into other operations over the past several years, the cattle operation remains the Ranch’s primary business. With a current cattle herd of approximately 20,000, Douglas Lake Ranch is the largest privately held cattle ranch in Canada . The combination of it’s size, superior grasslands, extensive infrastructure, and sound management principles, have earned the Ranch the reputation of producing cattle of exceptional quality and uniformity, in addition to being one of the lowest cost cattle producers in the country.

In general, Douglas Lake Ranch is capable of support in the range of 10,000 animal units. In addition, the Ranch is in the unique position of being able to buy and sell cattle as a commodity given its size, equipment, inventory and staff. The feedlots at English Bridge and the Island are utilized to take advantage of market conditions and the superior reputation enjoyed by Douglas Lake Ranch.

 On average the base herd will consist of approximately 4,500 Hereford cows and 2,500 Black Baldie cows and 450 bulls, producing in the range of about 6,600 calves per annum. The operation is predominantly a yearling operation although some 2,000 calves are generally sold on an annual basis.

Calves are weaned in November, with about 4,500 yearlings put on grass the following spring to be sold as long yearlings in the fall. Each year about 1,500 yearling heifers are retained as replacements for the cow herd. In addition, market cattle are regularly bought and sold by the Ranch.

During the period from May to the middle of October, Douglas Lake Ranch cattle are grazed on over 350,000 acres of Crown grazing land. From Autumn until early spring, the cattle are brought down and grazed on Ranch owned grassland. This is where Douglas Lake Ranch has a significant advantage over other cattle and ranch operations in that unlike most other ranches, Douglas Lake Ranch owns extensive grazing lands. This enables the Ranch to commence grazing earlier each spring and end later each
autumn, leaving the herd to be winter fed for a shorter period of time, resulting in significant cost savings. Additionally, ownership over the grassland gives management complete control over this highly valuable asset.