Ratcliff Ranches to Host Curt Pate

If you’re throwing a rope, riding a bike or a horse, you know practice makes perfect.  Animal handling is much the same.  With the emphasis of our industry focusing on sustainability from both an environmental and economic standpoint to animal welfare/handling issues, Ratcliff Ranches is proud to have joined with the Oklahoma Beef Council and Boehringer-Ingelheim Vet Medica, Inc. to host Curt Pate.  This two session event will allow for individuals to choose the type of handling they utilize in their own operation and learn from one of the most sought after animal clinicians in the industry.

Both sessions will be hosted Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Ratcliff Ranches.  The first session will be more geared to individuals who solely handle or gather their animals predominately using a horse.  This event will begin at 10 a.m. at Ratcliff Ranches Temple Grandin Designed facility located northeast of Vinita, Okla. and conclude at 2 p.m. The second session will begin with registration and dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Ratcliff Ranches sale headquarters located just 2 miles north of Vinita.   A short animal health presentation will be delivered by Boehringer-Ingelheim Vet Medica, Inc. and at 7 p.m. the demonstration and clinic will begin.  This session will focus on handling cattle on foot or by ATV.



Pate on his own ranch working cattle

For more than a decade, Curt Pate has been holding demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship and safety.  His ability to take his knowledge and communicate it to the industry and public has made him a sought after resource both in the US, but also worldwide.  Handling animals in a safe and humane manner doesn’t only make sense from the animal’s welfare perspective, but also from an economic standpoint as well.  By handling animals in a safe and humane manner throughout their life makes input costs less and makes them easier to process, work and move.

Pate’s personal experience incorporates effective stockmanship principles that supports a “for profit” mindset and focuses on the increased economic benefits of handling stock correctly. 

This philosophy mirrors that of Ratcliff Ranches and its Chief Executive Officer Heath Kohler.  “We (Ratcliff Ranches) are really focused on doing things the right way.  In fact, we made it a priority to contact the local extension office and the Oklahoma Beef Council to offer a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification workshop in our area,” said Kohler.  In October, Kohler had all current day help along with the Ranch division managers attend and achieve BQA certification. 

“I feel this workshop is the next step after BQA certification for our operation.  By adding another layer to our handling/processing skills, we can demonstrate to the public and the consumer that we are focused on producing a quality product as humanely and efficiently as possible,” said Kohler.  In addition, Kohler also stated he felt “Ratcliff Ranches has a responsibility as neighbors and as fellow cattlemen to offer our facilities through this partnership with Boehringer-Ingelheim Vet Medica, Inc. and the Oklahoma Beef Council so that others can have this same opportunity to improve their handling skills.”



Pate teaches a variety of techniques for moving cattle on foot or on horse/ATV

While at a meeting with herd veterinarian Dr. Clint Gardner, Pryor Veterinary Hospital and Kara Jett, Cattle Territory Manager, Boehringer-Ingelheim Vet Medica, Inc., Kohler and the group discussed the need for this type of opportunity in this area.  This discussion resulted in the idea to have a sponsored event similar to that offered at Joplin Regional Stockyards for individuals in NE Oklahoma and the four-state region of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas who would like to attend.

Dr. Clint Gardner, who sees cattle on a daily basis in his practice and out on farm/ranch calls sees first-hand the difference in how animals are handled and how that effects the health of the animal.  “Proper cattle handling is paramount from a cattle stress standpoint.  Stress is directly correlated to respiratory disease and disease in general, for that matter,” said Dr. Gardener.  In addition, he notes “cattle that are handled properly are not only more productive, but are simply safer to be around.”

This cooperative sponsored event by the Oklahoma Beef Council, Boehringer-Ingelheim Vet Medica, Inc. and Ratcliff Ranches is truly a unique opportunity for the producers in the area.  We encourage everyone who can to attend.  The knowledge and skills you will have the opportunity to leave with our numerous and will pay dividends to your bottom line and to the health and safety of you and your herd.

This event is free to the public and industry, however, to ensure enough seating and food, the sponsors request you RSVP to attend.  To RSVP, for more information or directions, contact Kim Kohler by phone at 918-244-8022 or by e-mail at kim@ratcliffranch.com.