Feature blog provided by Ratcliff Premium Meats, Photo courtesy of: Ratcliff Premium Meats
In the heart of Texas, where rolling pastures meet a deep-rooted agricultural tradition, a partnership has emerged that embodies the power of community, sustainability, and resilience. Ratcliff Premium Meats, a family-owned business led by Kimberly Ratcliff, has joined forces with the Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) to combat food insecurity while preserving a vital piece of Texas history: the Black farming legacy of Freestone County.
A Legacy of Family and Community
The story of Ratcliff Premium Meats begins with Kimberly Ratcliff’s father, Wesley Ratcliff, who bought the family’s first ranch in the 1970s in Houston County. Wesley’s career took the family to New York where he worked as a NASA engineer and contributed to the U.S. space program. But in the early 2000s, Wesley and his wife returned to their agricultural roots and later purchased Caney Creek Ranch in Freestone County in 2002. He envisioned creating a profitable, sustainable ranching operation that would honor the land’s potential. In 2007, Kimberly left a corporate career to join her father, bringing her own vision of building a business that served both her family and her community.
Under Kimberly’s leadership, Ratcliff Premium Meats has become a shining example of ethical ranching. The company raises grass-fed, pasture-raised beef with a commitment to quality and sustainability. But Kimberly’s impact extends beyond the ranch; she has turned her business into a vehicle for community empowerment.
Freestone County: A Unique Agricultural Hub
Freestone County is a microcosm of Texas’s rich agricultural history. What sets it apart is the significant presence of Black farmers, who represent 19% of the county’s farming population—one of the highest percentages in the United States. This vibrant community of ranchers and farmers has contributed immensely to the local economy and the region’s agricultural heritage.
Yet, this legacy faces challenges. Generational land loss and economic pressures have threatened the sustainability of Black-owned farms. Kimberly Ratcliff recognizes these challenges and has made it her mission to preserve this vital aspect of Freestone County’s identity.
Preserving the Black Farming Legacy
Kimberly Ratcliff is not only a rancher but also a community advocate. Through Ratcliff Premium Meats, she works to ensure that Black farmers in Freestone County can keep their land and livelihoods intact. One of her strategies is to purchase cattle directly from other Black ranchers in the region. By creating a reliable market for their livestock, Kimberly provides economic value that helps farmers maintain ownership of their land.
“It’s about more than just buying cattle,” Kimberly explains. “It’s about preserving our community’s history and ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to build on this legacy.”
Through these efforts, Kimberly is building a model that uplifts not just individual ranchers but the entire community. Her work stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
Feeding Central Texas Together
The partnership between Ratcliff Premium Meats and the Central Texas Food Bank exemplifies how local agriculture can be a force for good. By providing high-quality, nutrient-rich beef to CTFB, Kimberly is addressing one of the most pressing issues in the region: food insecurity.
Through our farm-to-school program, we’re also funneling nutrient-rich Ratcliff Premium Meats beef to local school districts in central Texas as well to help nourish student bodies and power them for success. The program launched with providing beef to Lake Travis Independent School District and will quickly expand to more and more districts throughout central Texas.
CTFB serves 21 counties and distributes millions of meals annually, but access to fresh protein is often limited. Ratcliff Premium Meats fills this gap by providing beef that nourishes both body and spirit. Whether through meals served at local food pantries or community events, the impact of this partnership is profound.
“The fresh protein we receive from Ratcliff Premium Meats makes an incredible difference,” says a representative from CTFB. “It’s not just food — it’s hope for families in need.”
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between Ratcliff Premium Meats and CTFB is about more than food. It’s a bridge between economic sustainability and community well-being. By supporting local ranchers, Kimberly is helping to preserve the agricultural heritage of Freestone County while addressing the urgent need for hunger relief and proper nutrition for our students.
This partnership also highlights the broader importance of food equity. As Kimberly Ratcliff works to empower Black farmers and sustain Freestone County’s legacy, she’s demonstrating a model for how local businesses can drive systemic change. Her leadership is inspiring others to rethink how agriculture, community, and social responsibility intersect.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kimberly Ratcliff is committed to growing this partnership and expanding its impact. She envisions a future where Freestone County’s Black farmers thrive, their legacy preserved for generations to come. By collaborating with organizations like CTFB, she’s proving that community-focused ranching can be a catalyst for change.
“We’re not just feeding people,” Kimberly says. “We’re preserving a way of life and showing what’s possible when we work together.”
For those inspired by this story, there are countless ways to get involved. Support the Central Texas Food Bank, explore partnerships with local producers, or contribute to initiatives that sustain agricultural traditions. Together, we can ensure that legacies like Freestone County’s Black farming community not only survive but thrive.
