In Citrus County’s Floral City, the River Bend Cattle Company is a place where tradition meets innovation, offering a glimpse into the future of ranching while honoring its past.

First-generation cattle rancher Billy Bevers, who manages the company with his wife Megan, opens the gates of their operation to visitors, encouraging them to learn more about where their food comes from.

“It’s important to come and see where their food was raised,” Bevers shared, reflecting on the transparency and care behind their practices.

Sustainable Ranching with a Personal Touch

Known for selling high-quality, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat at Tampa Bay farmers’ markets, River Bend Cattle Company prides itself on raising cattle in a stress-free environment.

Bevers, armed with a University of Florida Ag-Science degree and years of cowboy experience, oversees about 100 head of cattle on 500 acres of land along the Withlacoochee River. The land has supported grazing cattle for more than a century, a legacy that Bevers and his family are proud to continue.

“We left all this still wooded because we wanted the wildlife to have a travel corridor on the river,” Bevers explained, emphasizing the importance of conservation and land stewardship.

This commitment to preserving the natural ecosystem is evident in every corner of their ranch, from the wooded areas left untouched to the wild visitors, like the occasional alligator spotted in nearby canals.

Connecting People to Their Food

Each piece of beef from River Bend Cattle Company is carefully tracked, ensuring customers know the exact history of their food.

“That number right there,” Bevers said, pointing to a steak package, “is the tag number the steer carried. I could tell you everything about this guy if you wanted.”

For Bevers, ranching is more than a livelihood—it’s a calling rooted in community and care.

“As a rancher, being able to feed people means a lot,” he said.

By blending modern practices with old Florida traditions, River Bend Cattle Company exemplifies a sustainable approach to ranching that is feeding families and nurturing the land for generations to come.

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(Image credit: River Bend Cattle Company)