Lykes Bros. Inc. possesses a rich heritage in cattle ranching, with roots tracing back to the early 1900s. Today, Lykes Ranch is the sixth-largest cow-calf operation in the country and the second-largest in Florida—a legacy built on more than 75 years of careful management.
Management of the Company’s cattle operations centers on stewardship—of our cattle, the land on which they graze, and the communities where we operate. This integrated approach has created a sustainable system that has endured for generations.
Stewardship begins with a major emphasis on the health and welfare of our cattle. Lykes cowboys are educated and trained annually through the national Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, ensuring best management practices in animal husbandry and maximizing the health and wellbeing of our cows, calves, and bulls.
This same commitment to best management practices extends to the pastures our cattle graze. Lykes cattle coexist with a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, native prairies, woodlands, and improved pastures. Through managed grazing, prescribed burning, and responsible land management, our cattle help support biodiversity, improve water quality, and maintain healthy, resilient landscapes.
Lykes Bros. Inc. is proud to support local students by providing calves from our operation for youth to raise and sell at local livestock shows through FFA and 4-H programs. These projects teach responsibility, business skills, and work ethic—helping develop the next generation of agricultural leaders and securing the future of Florida agriculture.
Hal Duncan
VP of Ranch and Agricultural Operations
106 SW CR 721
Okeechobee, FL 34974-8613