think that ’ s the best kept secret in the Limousin breed – the efficiency in the cows .”
As the budding cattlemen raised each new calf crop , they quickly found that the Limousin breed was the perfect fit for the goals they had established for the cattle herd at Running Creek Ranch .
“ We wanted a bull that would go out and breed cows with calvingease and carcass value . That ’ s always been our focus : good carcass value with calving-ease ,” Joey explains .
Between the breed ’ s ability to help the family achieve that goal , and other changes within the beef industry the family watched take place , Joey said he and his father transitioned their herd from half blood to purebred to center their operation on consistency and predictability .
Today , though much has changed , the passion for Limousin cattle remains apparent at the ranch . Joe and his wife , Judy , still live on the property , but the ranch ’ s first generation has since handed the reins over to Joey in terms of everyday management .
“ It ’ s always been a family run operation ,” Joey proudly explains . He and his wife , Colleen , raised their three children on the property . Grace , Ethan and Soren all grew up involved with the herd in their own ways .
Grace finds joy in helping Joey with research projects with their feeder cattle . Ethan works on the ranch full time , embracing his passion for hands-on work with the livestock . Soren is getting ready to leave for his first year at college , but he grew up enjoying showing as a junior exhibitor and working calves .
Joey ’ s nephew , Neil Pasion , spends his day with the herd as head cowboy , and his brother-in-law , Pat Kelly , fills the role of herdsman . Pat ’ s brother , Casey , plays a role as well , helping with genetic evaluation and record-keeping .
“ It ’ s just always been what we did and our way of life ,” Ethan explains of the family operation . “ It ’ s what I ’ m happy with . I ’ ve never needed to be anywhere else .”
As the years keep rolling by , Joey and his family continually work to improve the genetics of each calf crop . Joey describes the environment on the ranch as a team , built on communication and quality time .
“ It ’ s always been great to watch the kids grow with the animal ,” he explains . “ A lot of families have hobbies or go on vacations – our deal is livestock .”
It ’ s a “ deal ” that Joey ’ s family had no hesitations embracing . Ethan said it ’ s hard not to want to be a part of a lifestyle that two past generations have loved so much .
“ My dad is very
Joey and Colleen have raised their three children Ethan , Soren and Grace on the family ranch outside of Elizabeth , CO .
• APRIL 2022 passionate about what we have going on ,” Ethan said . “ He puts family first and makes sure the family succeeds , but he ’ s also passionate about the Limousin
continued on page 62 61