Last updated on January 13th, 2025 at 09:24 am
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Holding on Through the Seasons
When the weather re-writes the story each year, this multi-generational ranching operation has to be prepared.
Lance Vicente
Vaughn, New Mexico
Life on a ranch in Vaughn, New Mexico, has always been a balance of grit, resilience, and hope. Lance Vicente and his brother run a cow/calf and stocker operation on land that’s been in their family since the early 1900s. For them, the ranch is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy.
In New Mexico, the weather writes the story of each year. Some years, rain fills the ponds, grass grows tall, and the cattle thrive. Other years, the drought grips the land, leaving dust to blow where grass once stood. "Without rain, there's no water; without water, there's no grass," Lance shares. "And the animals need grass to survive."
The Vicente brothers focus on sustainability and longevity. Keeping their cow herd healthy and their pastures intact are priorities, not just for now but for the future generations they hope to pass the ranch on to.
A Legacy of Resilience
The Vicente Ranch, nestled in the rugged landscapes of Vaughn, New Mexico, carries a legacy that stretches back over a century. Established in the early 1900s, the ranch was built on perseverance and hard work, embodying the pioneering spirit of the Vicente family. Over generations, the ranch grew from a small homestead into a thriving cow/calf and stocker operation, rooted in the values of sustainability and family.
Lance Vicente and his brother now oversee the ranch, continuing the traditions passed down from their parents and grandparents. "This is all I know," Lance reflects. For them, ranching isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. Their days are shaped by the rhythms of the land and the needs of their herd.
The Vicente family has weathered it all—unpredictable weather patterns, economic fluctuations, and the ever-changing challenges of modern agriculture. In New Mexico, where rainfall is scarce and drought is a constant concern, their ability to adapt has been the key to their survival.
Their commitment to the land goes beyond daily operations. Every decision they make is guided by a long-term vision: keeping the ranch profitable and sustainable so it can be passed down to future generations. “The biggest thing we strive for is longevity,” Lance explains. “Not just for our cow herd but for the ranch itself.”
Through all the challenges, the Vicente Ranch stands as a testament to resilience, hard work, and the enduring bond between family and land. It’s more than a business—it’s a legacy.
Over the years, they’ve tried various approaches to improve their operation, but when Lance first heard about Riomax through a friend, he was hesitant. "It sounded too good to be true," he recalls. "Cattle that look better while costing less in the long run? I didn’t believe it. But we decided to switch and see what happened.”
The Riomax Difference
The changes became clear over time. The cattle began looking healthier, with shinier coats in the summer and thicker fur in the winter. Lance’s father, a lifelong rancher, even commented, "These cattle look really good. What are you guys doing differently?"
Lance and his brother noticed something else—their workload lightened. Instead of hauling feed three days a week, they could focus on other projects. “We weren’t spending 8-hour days running trucks back and forth. That gave us time to work on corrals, bunkhouses, and things that had been neglected.”
Their efforts to improve efficiency didn’t just help the cattle—it transformed the ranch as a whole. Pastures held up better through the dry spells, leaving more forage for the cattle heading into winter. Conception rates increased slightly, calves were heavier, and their stockers adapted more quickly when sent to the feed yard.
Reflecting on their initial doubts, Lance adds, “You don’t know until you try. We did the math and gave it a shot—and I’m glad we did. Seeing the results firsthand changed my perspective.”
The Vicente brothers now see the results of their hard work in the health of their cattle and the condition of their land. For Lance, it’s about more than the immediate gains. It’s about knowing they’re doing the right thing—for the animals, for the land, and for the family legacy they’re striving to uphold.
“Seeing healthy cattle and grass on the land takes a little bit of pressure off. You know you’re doing something right.”
This isn’t just a story of one family’s success; it’s a reminder of the resilience and dedication it takes to keep a ranch thriving in the face of challenges. For the Vicente brothers, every decision is made with the future in mind, ensuring that the land and the legacy endure.
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Article preview: Is there protein in Riomax tubs?
Many ranchers glance at the label on a Riomax tub and ask, “Where’s the protein?” It’s a fair question. Traditional protein tubs boast percentages between 20-30%, so how does Riomax meet your cow’s protein needs without the same numbers? The answer lies in a revolutionary approach that focuses on maximizing efficiency and leveraging the power of microbes to achieve better results—all while saving costs.
RANCHING AIN'T EASY.
FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO, YOU DESERVE
MORE IN RETURN.
15 - 30% FORAGE SAVINGS
3 - 10% INCREASE IN CONCEPTION RATES
10 - 40 LBS. INCREASE IN WEANING WEIGHTS
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