Williams Ranch & Cattle began in 1998 when Jeff Williams bought the farm. In 2000 the first cows he purchased to start the farm and were just average commercial beef cows. In 2005 Jeff and Vicky welcomed their daughter, Alysa, into the family and a year later Jeff married Vicky. They are both a huge part of the farm. Vicky is the best secretary, ever, and even better at feces removal (expert shovel operator). Where she notices the little details that Jeff misses.
In 2008 the prices of average cows had dropped, this led to 2009 when we purchased our very first registered angus bull and we never looked back. The registered angus bull improved the herd in one season. We were able to receive higher prices for the feeder calves since they were all uniform sizes, and it is what the market had a demand for. Our first registered female was purchased in 2010. Now our whole herd consists of all registered animals. Over the years our freezer trade has improved because of the quality of our carcass traits in the steers. The typical waiting time to purchase our meat is two years. We only sell what was born on our farm. We not only have freezer trade, but we also sell females and bulls to improve other herds. In addition to the cattle, we also run a custom hay bailing business. In a typical year we cover about 1,000 acres. All while having full time jobs and College.
Alysa is currently in college to earn a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management and an associate’s in accounting. Last summer, 2024, she ran the farm. While home from college Alysa is involved with educating the youth at Ellicottville Central School and Cattaraugus County 4-H. In 2023, was the 1st time we set up a date to bring the second graders to our farm. At this time Alysa has two of her show cows outside that the kids can come up and pet. We do fun little activities with them to keep them involved and learning. When taking them through the barn they have many questions about what we do and why we have the animals. Not only do we share this day with the kids, but Alysa’s senior year of high school she helped set up an agriculture day at the school. This was tied into drive your tractor to school day. Many kids were able to bring a few of their farm animals to school. We had them set up in the front lawn at stations. This was a way for each of the young students to see every aspect of farming.
For the past 5 years Alysa has also put on beef clinics for the 4-H kids. Teaching them how to care, feed, and get them ready for the County Fair.
We are passionate about farming and teaching our way of life. Spreading the word about agriculture is important, and it all starts with young kids being exposed to it.
