Ranch History and General Information

Buck Island Ranch was purchased in 1968 by John D. MacArthur and was leased in 1988 by Archbold Expeditions from the John D. and Katherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The purpose of the lease was to produce quality commercial cattle and house the MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center which is dedicated to the long term ecological research of Florida’s cattle ranches. The main focuses are sustaining essential ecosystem services such as water quality and supply, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity.

The ranch is comprised of 10,500 of pasture and hammocks. The cattle are grazed on improved Bahia grass pasture as well as semi-native pastures. All cattle have access to free choice mineral year round and are supplemented with silage and molasses through the winter months.

Braford and Brangus cows are the base of the commercial herd. We use Angus, Charolais, and Hereford bulls selected on balanced genetics to produce quality calves. Replacement heifers are either raised on the ranch or purchased from trusted producers to ensure new genetics are being incorporated into the herd base.

Location

300 Buck Island Ranch Rd
Lake Placid, FL 33852
 

Breeds Utilized

Brangus and Braford cows
Angus, Charolais, and Hereford bulls

Shipping Dates

Due to our two season breeding system, calves are weaned twice a year. Calves weaned March-May are sent to a grow yard and marketed September-November. Calves weaned in September are also sent to a grow yard and marketed March-April.