The Lykes Bros. Inc. cattle operation is located in south-central Florida, west of Lake Okeechobee. We have been raising cattle since the early 1900s and are now a cow-calf operation that ranks as one of the top five largest in the United States Top quality Brangus bulls are used as the sires for our maternal herd of Brangus and Beefmaster cows. High Expected Progeny Difference Charolais and Angus-cross bulls are used as our terminal cross sires.

A major emphasis is put on the health of the calves. Employees are educated annually in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and have been since the early 1990s. All are certified by the Florida Beef Quality Assurance program. Every calf is vaccinated and processed with two doses of vaccinations, age- & source-verified and electronic identification (EID) tags are applied prior to shipping. Our ranch hands take pride in low stress handling of the calves and at shipping time. Calves are sorted, weighed, and loaded onto the buyers' trucks in a timely and efficient manner prior to the heat of the day.

Another important factor is cattle nutrition. Our ranch hands ensure that custom mineral is available to the cattle at all times. In addition to supplements, major emphasis is put on the forage quality. Utilizing our Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality guidelines, we analyze our forage and soils so that we can maximize our forage growth and nutritional value. Lykes Bros. has also taken a very proactive role in developing the BMP model for Florida cattlemen. Lykes Bros. Ranch recently was awarded the 2009 National Cattlemen's Foundation, Beef Industry's Vision Award in the Cow/Calf category. The company was commended by the Foundation for its efforts in integrating environmental concerns with industry challenges: The Foundation's website had the following to say: "Proactively balancing environmental and regulatory requirements with production needs, Lykes Bros. Inc. has provided leadership and collaborated with state government agencies to develop positive working relationships resulting in program manuals. They exemplify the fact that cattlemen are the original stewards of the land."

The quality of Lykes' calves through top genetics, health programs, source and age verification, BQA documents, and attention to proper nutrition sets our calves apart from others. Calves are sold through private treaty and video sales in uniform load lots from single to multiple loads per contract. Calves are shipped in late spring (May-June) and late summer (August-October).

Lykes Ranch takes pride in customer service and producing a quality and wholesome product for the beef industry.

For more information, contact Lykes Ranch at 863-763-3041.