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HomeFeaturesFarmer's Market Spotlight: Hannah and Susan Tangeman's Hulsman Ranch

Farmer’s Market Spotlight: Hannah and Susan Tangeman’s Hulsman Ranch

Hulsman Ranch proprietors Hannah and Susan Tangeman

by Hannah Tangeman

Hulsman Ranch remains one of the longest single-family owned ranches in Lassen County, stewarded into its 151st year by sisters Hannah and Susan Tangeman.

The ranch began marketing its own lamb and beef in 2002 with a foray into grassfed lamb debuting at the Lassen Land & Trails Trust Saturday Market. Beef was added a year later, reflecting the two species that utilize the incredible grass resource produced by the native meadows that their Great Grandfather John F. Hulsman purchased from Peter Lassen’s estate in 1862.

Grass is essentially the fuel and bond that has held the ranch together for these four generations. It has allowed a family to weather an array of economic times, remaining sustainable into the 21st century.

The beautiful Hulsman Ranch with Diamond Mountain in the background

It is the spring and summer menu of the cattle and sheep in is green grassy form while being the winter staple in its dried hay incarnation that allows the same feedstuff to span the seasons. The ranch is a mosaic of biotypes – including brushland, timber, meadows which over time have been altered very little – making it a functioning ecosystem which is operated within its spheres.

Shorthorn or Durham cattle have remained the enduring breed on the property since its inception. Other ranchers have adopted Angus cattle as almost a monoculture of bovines, while Hannah and Susan have always respected their mother’s love of the original breed of which she said “They have always supported us – so we must support them.”

Shorthorn or Durham cows in early spring grazing

Shorthorns are great maternal beasts while being efficient on a grass diet with the added bonus of being a beautiful rainbow of red and white colored cows that are a joy to behold. As Shorthorn cattle numbers dwindle nationwide, they become an heirloom breed that provides valuable genetic diversity.

The farm’s sheep herd is crossed between white and black faced breeds mixing meat and mothering traits. Each morning the sheep set forth from the barn to their grassy feasts, returning each evening to the safety of their enclosure from hungry predators. At times, traffic must yield to their destination.

So if you encounter this traffic jam on Wingfield Road know that they will shortly find the awaiting open gate and you can be on your way.

Lamb jam on Wingfield Road

The grassfed ethic that Hulsman Ranch embraces includes raising animals in a respectful way without using hormones implants, “sub-therapeutic” levels of antibiotics, or grain. Synthetic fertilizers and herbicides are not used.

Grazing maintains a landscape that is productive, beautiful, and supports a family farm. Hulsman Ranch’s grassfed meat is a tender, healthy alternative to mass-produced meats.

Join your friends at the Lassen Land and Trails Trust farmers market this Saturday and enjoy the bountiful selection of farmer grown produce and take in the cooking demonstration at 10 am.

Grassfed goodness of Hulsman Ranch beef and lamb

 

Grassfed Hulsman Ranch – Steaks full of tender flavor

 

The ranch is a symphony of incredible beauty in every season

 

Sheep beneath the rainbow

 

Jeremy Couso
Jeremy Couso
SusanvilleStuff.com Publisher/Editor
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