Edelman Family Cattle Ranch

Lynn Edelman, of Kansas, is a cattle rancher for Niman Ranch.

How many generations are a part of the Edelman family ranch?

I’m a fourth-generation cattle rancher. My great-grandfather came from Germany and first settled in Illinois. Soon after, he moved to Kansas to start the ranch.

How many family members are involved in your ranch?

Three of us are involved: my father Eugene, my brother Steven and me.

How many cattle on your ranch?

There are approximately 450 head of cattle.

Do you produce any crops?

In addition to cattle, we grow corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, barley and red clover.

How long have you sold cattle to Niman Ranch?

We have been selling cattle to Niman Ranch since 2012.

How many cattle do you sell to Niman Ranch per year?

We sell approximately 250 head of cattle to Niman Ranch each year.

What sustainable farming techniques do you use?

We implement crop rotation and buffer strips and plant diversified organic crops.

Did you always want to be a part of the family ranch?

Yes, since I was little. I hope to hand it down to my son Lyndon, along with my brother Steven’s nine kids.

What attracted you to pursue the opportunity to work with Niman Ranch?

We had been in an all-natural program and a neighbor suggested we consider working with Niman Ranch. Our main goal was to feel comfortable with a partner, and Niman Ranch did just that.

What do you love about being a rancher?

The thing I love most is working with livestock. I also like the rewarding feeling I get when I know I’m raising all-natural livestock without antibiotics or growth hormones. I know in the end I’m giving the consumer a good, quality product.

If you could share a message about ranching, what would it be?

Rural America is a good place to live, and ranching is extremely hard work but rewarding. Farming organic crops and raising all-natural cattle takes a lot more effort and management but the rewards are greater. I always want to be a good steward to the land God has given us.