ROCKING ARROW RANCH

Rocking Arrow Ranch is a third-generation cow-calf operation owned and managed by Dean and Cindy Churchill. Located in the heart of the Sandhills, south of Valentine in Cherry County, the ranch has a rich history that dates back to the 1940s, when Dean's grandparents settled in the area. Today, Dean and Cindy continue that family tradition, combining their experience, stewardship, and innovative practices on the land that has been cared for by the family for decades.

The ranch maintains a composite Charolais herd of spring-calving cows, using Angus bulls for breeding. Additionally, a portion of the herd serves as recipient cows for custom embryo transfer, allowing the production of more calves from top-performing genetics. Calving begins in mid-February and concludes by early May. Branding takes place in April for the early calves and in mid-May for the later ones. Heifers are AI-bred in May, and the ranch prepares to move the cattle out to pasture in June.

Rocking Arrow Ranch employs a rotational grazing system, utilizing the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge from late May until mid-November. This high-intensity rotational grazing requires frequent movement of the cattle, typically every 3 to 6 days, with some intervals stretching up to 10 days. The diverse terrain includes both sandhills and wetlands. This partnership with the refuge enables the ranch to stockpile grass at home for the herd's return in late summer. Additionally, the ranch produces a substantial amount of meadow hay during July and August, utilizing New Holland and Vermeer haying equipment to ensure high forage quality and efficiency. In mid-to-late August, the calves are preconditioned, and the cows are preg-checked using ultrasound.

Dean values the challenges and diversity that agriculture provides. Managing a ranch and cattle is both demanding and rewarding. He is constantly learning how to navigate the industry's ups and downs while remaining adaptable to change. His passion for the industry drives him, and his primary goal is profitability. He focuses on what he can control: effectively managing the grass. "We raise grass and use the cows as the mechanism to harvest that grass," Dean stated. This philosophy guides the ranch's management by striking a balance between productivity and careful land stewardship. Rocking Arrow Ranch reflects the resilience and rhythm of Sandhills ranch life - where stewardship of the grasslands, care for livestock, and a strong work ethic remain at the core of every day's efforts.