A friend with a USDA-inspected mobile processing unit inspired Daniels to expand her farm-to-table offerings by processing her beef to offer to guests and creating a full-circle experience . Now , 75 % of guests also purchase beef and eggs at the ranch , many of whom are repeat customers . Daniels also partners with a local beekeeper and sells honey along with a special Sundried Rosemary Salt she created and artisanal soaps which her mother started making as a way to prevent waste by utilizing produce grown on the ranch that couldn ’ t be sold .
“ It was always my dream to provide a full-circle experience for guests , connecting them with agriculture , from lodging to eating homegrown beef and something they would share with others ,” Daniels said . “ The fastest way to educate the public about ranching is to give them an experience and to me , that ’ s everything .”
As with any business , challenges arise , especially when it comes to regulations , increased lodging taxes and insurance . There are always hurdles to face , however , Daniels leans on local agricultural organizations and her guests for support . She reflected on one guest who had been a vegetarian for 20 years and ended up buying beef during the stay . The guest also came to Daniels ’ aid writing a letter of support for the on-farm experience when the county began putting in restrictions on short-term rentals .
“ Our guests are creating memories on the ranch , but they are also voters who can get up close and personal with agriculture ,” Daniels said . “ A visit may completely change their mind about beef production , especially in California .”
In addition to the Black Angus Daniels raises for her beef operation , she maintains several head of Longhorns , carrying on her father ’ s love for the breed . The rugged creatures are a draw for guests , plus they provide predator control and help with land management . Daniels notes that Longhorns will go where Angus will not , in steep canyons and across rocks to graze brush and trees other animals find less palatable .
As herd numbers fluctuate due to drought , the added revenue from lodging supplements ranch income . Repeat business is also essential , and individual guests often return with work groups , weddings or other events . Daniels can ’ t say enough about incorporating agritourism into the ranch ’ s business plan and credits these unique activities for affording her the opportunity to stay on the ranch .
Photos provided by Cow Track Ranch . DIRECTIONS 2023
“ When I think about what success means to me , I think about the thousands of people we host from around the globe every year ,” Daniels said . “ I love to see a guest ’ s eyes open wide when they first see cattle and enthusiastically take pictures . I ’ m thankful I can connect them with agriculture .”
Moving from the Pacific Coast to America ’ s heartland , on-ranch experiences may look a little different , however , consumer education still abounds .
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 15