Baker Ranch – Belton, Texas

Dr. Dudley Baker raises Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Grassfed by AGW beef cattle on pasture at Baker Ranch in Belton, Texas. As an OB-GYN and Gynecological Oncologist, Dr. Baker was concerned not only about the prevalence of cancer, but also the significant increase in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune and allergic problems he was encountering in his practice. At the same time, Dr. Baker developed a keen interest in the environmental stewardship of his land. Following ongoing discussions with a local Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW cattle producer and researching many publications, Dr. Baker was convinced of the health benefits of grassfed beef. It wasn’t long before he became passionate about producing healthy food for his family and patients. Dr. Baker sold the herd of Limousin cattle he had been raising for years and, in 2009, began raising registered Black Angus beef on pasture at Baker Ranch in central Texas.

“I’m very careful not to use GMOs, pesticides, herbicides or hormones, and we’re not deep-plowing our land,” says Dr. Baker. By re-seeding native grasses and intensively grazing his cattle to mimic the way large ruminants like bison used to move across the landscape, Dr. Baker hopes to restore prairie on the ranch’s 450 acres. The ranch’s success can be seen in the growth of the herd and improvements in the condition of the soil. In the four years following the purchase of the cattle, Baker Ranch’s herd has grown from 15 to 130 cattle, while native grasses are now germinating that haven’t been seen in the area for over 10 years, despite the three-year drought that has devastated many cattle operations.

“I love ranching. I love being outside,” says Dr. Baker. “And although I began raising 100% grassfed beef for environmental reasons, the most important reason I do this is the same reason we chose to certify with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW: to provide healthy meat to our community.” Dr. Baker believes that good land stewardship, good animal husbandry and healthy food go together. In other words, improving the soil produces better grass, which feeds healthier cattle and makes healthier meat.

Dr. Baker couldn’t run the ranch without the help of John Chappell, the ranch manager, an old rodeo star and cattleman. Despite his experience with grain-finishing cattle, John is just as convinced as the doctor that raising animals outdoors on pasture or range has unparalleled benefits for people, animals and the environment.

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef from Baker Ranch is available in the central Texas area. Dr. Baker prefers to sell individual cuts to families with limited freezer space but also sells halves, quarters and eights by schedule. Contact Dr. Dudley Baker to place an order and arrange convenient delivery at 254-760-9127 and dudleybaker@me.com.