| THE HISTORY |
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| ALTO ADAMS, SR |
| ALTO ADAMS, JR |
Adams Ranch had its start when Alto Adams, Sr. bought a
tract of unfenced grassland in St. Lucie County, Florida in
1937. The land was fenced and stocked. Ten years later,
Alto Adams Jr. became a partner in the cattle operation as
Alto Adams & Son. There were an estimated 1600 cows,
valued at $40/head. A pasture program was begun and
Hereford bulls were crossed on Brahman cows. The
principal product was grass fattened steers. In 1963, the
ranch was incorporated as Adams Ranch, Inc. The
ownership was Alto Adams, Jr., Elaine Harrison and their
children. The 15,000 acres was expanded to 50,000 acres
with the purchase of land in Osceola and Okeechobee
Counties. The 10,000 cow herd produces feeder steers,
replacement heifers and breeding bulls. The Braford
breed developed from the Adams Ranch Hereford X
Brahman crosses. Feeder calves became the main
product and were shipped by train and truck to the
corn-belt. In 1969, the Adams Ranch Braford herd became
the number one foundation herd both for the
International Bradford Association and its successor the
United States Braford Breeders. Lee Adams, Buddy
Adams, Mike Adams and Rob Adams joined the company
giving depth of management. By the 1990's a Composite
breeding program was under way that has led to the
ABEEF cattle that provide quality beef, with high cutability
in a heat tolerant animal. The 4th generation of the
Adams Family are beginning to join the company. Diane
Haenning is the efficient Office Manager. Peter Harrison
is a Vice President. In 1999, the ranch received the
Ranch of the Century award from the National Cattlemen's
Beef Association. It is the 15th largest cow-calf ranch in
the USA. Family support has enabled management to
manage for long-term ranch and herd improvements
rather than for short-term profits.
tract of unfenced grassland in St. Lucie County, Florida in
1937. The land was fenced and stocked. Ten years later,
Alto Adams Jr. became a partner in the cattle operation as
Alto Adams & Son. There were an estimated 1600 cows,
valued at $40/head. A pasture program was begun and
Hereford bulls were crossed on Brahman cows. The
principal product was grass fattened steers. In 1963, the
ranch was incorporated as Adams Ranch, Inc. The
ownership was Alto Adams, Jr., Elaine Harrison and their
children. The 15,000 acres was expanded to 50,000 acres
with the purchase of land in Osceola and Okeechobee
Counties. The 10,000 cow herd produces feeder steers,
replacement heifers and breeding bulls. The Braford
breed developed from the Adams Ranch Hereford X
Brahman crosses. Feeder calves became the main
product and were shipped by train and truck to the
corn-belt. In 1969, the Adams Ranch Braford herd became
the number one foundation herd both for the
International Bradford Association and its successor the
United States Braford Breeders. Lee Adams, Buddy
Adams, Mike Adams and Rob Adams joined the company
giving depth of management. By the 1990's a Composite
breeding program was under way that has led to the
ABEEF cattle that provide quality beef, with high cutability
in a heat tolerant animal. The 4th generation of the
Adams Family are beginning to join the company. Diane
Haenning is the efficient Office Manager. Peter Harrison
is a Vice President. In 1999, the ranch received the
Ranch of the Century award from the National Cattlemen's
Beef Association. It is the 15th largest cow-calf ranch in
the USA. Family support has enabled management to
manage for long-term ranch and herd improvements
rather than for short-term profits.