Stewardship and Legacy at Bill King Ranch ft. Abby O'Connor
04/29/25 • 23 min
Abby O'Connor, fifth-generation rancher from Stanley, New Mexico, shares her family's century-old ranching legacy and their operation raising Hereford, Angus, and Charlay cattle for seed stock while managing the challenges of New Mexico's unique landscape.
• Bill King Ranch has been operating for over 100 years with Abby's two-year-old daughter representing the sixth generation
• Managing cattle in New Mexico's arid climate requires constant adaptation to rainfall patterns that can vary from 2 to 15 inches annually
• The science of cattle breeding involves careful genetic selection to produce animals adapted to specific environments and market demands
• Connection with fellow ranchers across the country provides a supportive network that helps sustain operations through challenges
• Growing disconnect between urban consumers and agriculture creates challenges in helping people understand where their food comes from
• Working with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association to advocate for ranchers and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders
• Preservation of land and ranching traditions ensures future generations have the option to continue the family legacy
• Cattle grazing represents the highest and best use for much of New Mexico's arid land that cannot support crop agriculture
To learn more about the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, visit nmagriculture.org
Abby O'Connor, fifth-generation rancher from Stanley, New Mexico, shares her family's century-old ranching legacy and their operation raising Hereford, Angus, and Charlay cattle for seed stock while managing the challenges of New Mexico's unique landscape.
• Bill King Ranch has been operating for over 100 years with Abby's two-year-old daughter representing the sixth generation
• Managing cattle in New Mexico's arid climate requires constant adaptation to rainfall patterns that can vary from 2 to 15 inches annually
• The science of cattle breeding involves careful genetic selection to produce animals adapted to specific environments and market demands
• Connection with fellow ranchers across the country provides a supportive network that helps sustain operations through challenges
• Growing disconnect between urban consumers and agriculture creates challenges in helping people understand where their food comes from
• Working with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association to advocate for ranchers and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders
• Preservation of land and ranching traditions ensures future generations have the option to continue the family legacy
• Cattle grazing represents the highest and best use for much of New Mexico's arid land that cannot support crop agriculture
To learn more about the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, visit nmagriculture.org
Previous Episode
Naturally Nourishing: Why Beef Deserves a Place at Every Table with Kate Schulz
Kate Schulz shares her unique perspective as both a ranch-raised dietitian and the nutrition expert for the New Mexico Beef Council, helping bridge the gap between food production and nutritional guidance.
• Family connection to agriculture spans generations, with her great-grandfather homesteading the Nebraska-Wyoming family ranch over 100 years ago
• Becoming a registered dietitian requires a master's degree, internship, national exam, and state licensure
• Common misconception that beef can't fit into heart-healthy diets contradicted by research studies showing lean beef's compatibility
• Three ounces of beef provides 25g of protein plus nine essential nutrients, making it naturally nourishing and sustaining
• Balanced protein consumption throughout the day (25-30g at meals, 10-15g at snacks) optimizes energy and satisfaction
• Leaner cuts of beef (look for "round" or "loin") provide flexibility for health-conscious meal planning
• The Sports Nutrition Game Plan offers free resources for high school athletes and coaches through NMAA - https://nmbeef.com/nutrition/sports-nutrition-game-plan
• Small, consistent healthy choices are more sustainable than trying to make dramatic lifestyle changes all at once
• Beef jerky makes an excellent protein-rich snack option to avoid afternoon energy crashes Beef Jerky Trail Mix: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipes/recipe/55673/beef-jerky-trail-mix
• Slow cooker recipes like Mississippi Pot Roast offer convenient, family-friendly meal solutions. Find the recipe on our website https://nmbeef.com/recipes/recipe/55900/mississippi-pot-roast
For recipes, nutrition information, and the Sports Nutrition Game Plan, visit nmbeef.com
Behind the Burger - Stewardship and Legacy at Bill King Ranch ft. Abby O'Connor
Transcript
Welcome back to another episode of Behind the Burger , our podcast produced by the New Mexico Beef Council . I'm Carolyn Romo and I'm here with Abby O'Connor . Abby , will you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your family and what you guys do ?
Speaker 2Absolutely . My name is Abby O'Connor . I am a fifth generation rancher from
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