Captain’s First Year: The Little Mini Bull Who Started It All

One year ago, Captain stepped off the trailer at Monterey Mini Cow Company and quietly changed the direction of our family ranch.

Looking at his delivery-day photo now, it honestly feels like yesterday. Captain was our first mini bull and the beginning of what became our modern mini cow program. We had plans and plenty of ideas, but we could not have imagined how much the ranch would grow in a single year.

Here is something most people do not know: Captain is John’s favorite cow.

We probably are not supposed to admit that ranchers have favorites, but Captain earned it. He was the first. He trusted us, taught us, and gave us the confidence to keep building.

At the time, he was simply one special little bull arriving at his new home. We had no idea how much he would change our lives.

From one mini bull to a growing ranch family

At the time of Captain’s first anniversary, our ranch family had grown to 89 animals, including cattle, Valais Blacknose sheep, pigs, horses, mini donkeys, and all the other personalities that make this place what it is. That included 25 miniature cattle, with 11 babies on the way.

Those numbers still do not feel real when we say them out loud.

Every animal has brought something different to the ranch. We have learned a lot, made a few mistakes, worked some very long days, and met wonderful families along the way. None of this happened overnight, and none of it happened without the people who believed in us early.

We are proud of how far the ranch has come, but mostly, we are grateful.

Welcome to the sheep side of the ranch

Captain’s anniversary arrived alongside another exciting chapter: the growth of our Valais Blacknose sheep program.

They may look like they stepped out of a storybook, but the plan behind them is serious. We are building carefully around strong bloodlines, documented pedigrees, animal health, and temperament.

Our long-term goal is to become one of California’s premier breeders of both Valais Blacknose sheep and miniature cattle. We will keep taking it one healthy animal, one good decision, and one honest relationship at a time.

Still a family farm

A lot has changed since Captain stepped off that trailer, but the important things have not.

We are still a family-run ranch. We still know our animals by name. We still get excited about every healthy calf, every new arrival, and every family who follows the journey.

Captain may have started the mini cow mission, but all of you helped it grow. Thank you for sharing our animals, encouraging our family, and believing in what we are building here in California.

One year down. A growing ranch family. A new sheep program taking shape.

And Captain is still keeping an eye on all of it.

Come spend time with the herd

Want to meet the animals and experience the ranch for yourself? Ranch visits are by appointment and give families time to meet our miniature cows and other friendly animals up close.

Reserve a ranch visit

With gratitude,The Monterey Mini Cow Company family