Our Genetics
The Background
In the spring of 2025, we acquired a closed herd from the Van Alfen family. Josh and Andrea Van Alfen purchased the herd in 2019 from Rick Sanders of Trembath Mountain Ranch in Fiddletown, California. Rick is one of the pioneers of the miniature cattle movement and started his program in the 1990s. With that solid foundation in place, we were entrusted to carry on and build upon the legacy the Sanders and Van Alfen families created.
Breeding Program
We've learned so much about genetics and the history of these little cows, most of it from breeders and fellow enthusiasts who are always happy to share what they know. With those of us eager to learn. Through plenty of wins and losses, a few "I told you sos," and more than one "I don't know," we're proud of the breeding program we've built.
Our program is built around our dams. We focus first on the ladies in our herd and bring in select genetics from other breeders to produce small, sustainable, structurally correct animals that enjoy a great quality of life and look flashy doing it. Temperament and disposition matter just as much, because our goal is to place every animal in the home that suits it best.
Our Partnership with Mini Moo Crew
We've partnered with Jamie Moret of Mini Moo Crew, an Iowa program known for some of the best miniature cattle genetics in the country. Bringing those genetics to California was a natural next step for our program.
Jamie and our team believe transparency and collaboration are the best way to get anywhere worth going. Bigger tables, not higher fences. We became fast friends through genetics, and that friendship has grown through plenty of late night and early morning calls about the ups and downs of raising cattle and kids as busy working mamas who share the same vision and dream.
How We Breed
We use a combination of live cover, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer. We place embryos in our own recipient cows and, when it makes sense, work with other programs for recipient heifers.
No matter the method, the health and quality of life of our animals always come first.