About - Hearst Ranch Beef

Since 1865, the Hearst family has raised cattle on 150,000 acres of rich sustainable native grasslands on California’s Central Coast.

Map highlighting the location of Hearst Ranch and also Jack Ranch.

At the Hearst Ranches it’s always been our practice to treat the animals with great care. Our cattle live a completely natural existence as foragers and grazers. Grazing enhances a complex and balanced mosaic of native grasslands, which in turn maintains the vigor and distribution of these habitats, ensuring a sustainable food system. Well-managed grazing is one of the primary reasons for the excellent condition of the coastal prairie and native grasslands along the inland terraces. It keeps cattle on the range, fertilizes the land naturally, sustains a seasonal rhythm to the ranches and produces a remarkable meat whose flavor is the authentic taste of the American West.

Well-managed grazing is one of the primary reasons for the excellent condition of the coastal prairie and native grasslands along the inland terraces. It keeps cattle on the range, fertilizes the land naturally, sustains a seasonal rhythm to the ranches and produces a remarkable meat whose flavor is the authentic taste of the American West.

Hearst Ranch Beef is our signature product – 100% grass-fed and completely hormone-and-antibiotic free – produced since 1865 on the Hearst Ranches. Our cattle are always free-ranging and all-natural, raised on native rangeland and pastures on our two California Central Coast properties – the 83,000-acre Hearst Ranch in San Simeon and the 73,000-acre Jack Ranch in Cholame.

Central Coast

Land and Legacy

Over 150 years and 150,000 acres of rich, sustainable grasslands on California's Central Coast.

A spanish style building sits among green hills on the San Simeon Ranch. Hearst Castle is in the distant background.

Piedra Blanca - The San Simeon Ranch

Purchased by George Hearst in 1865, the Piedra Blanca Rancho spans over 83,000 acres of land, and is home to La Cuesta Encantada, known today as Hearst Castle.

Learn About Piedra Blanca

Cholame Rancho - The Jack Ranch

Acquired by Hearst Corporation in 1965, the Jack Ranch, named to honor the Jack family, has a rich and storied history dating back to 1869. The Jack Ranch now spans 73,000 acres and is home to a well-managed, free-range 2,500-head cowherd that integrates seamlessly with San Simeon's 1,000-head cowherd.

Learn About Cholame Rancho

A large heard of livestock are in the field of the Jack Ranch.

Heart and soul

Cowboys and Cattle

Skilled and insightful, our cowboys keep our cattle healthy and our ranches operating smoothly year-round.

People

At our ranches, cowboys make up the backbone of our team. They are our eyes and ears on the ground, protecting both our cattle and our ranch.

Learn About Our Team

A Year at the Ranch

Active year round, there is never a dull moment at the ranch. Each season brings its own responsibilities that are handled on time and efficiently.

Learn About Our Year

Hearst Ranch:
Family, Land and Legacy

Foreword by Stephen T. Hearst
Text by Victoria Kastner

Hearst Ranch: Family, Land and Legacy offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the vast and stunningly beautiful cattle ranch that surrounds Hearst Castle. It also explores the Hearst family's private residences on the ranch for the first time, and features dramatic scenes of the Hearst cowboys in action today.

Learn More & Order

The Hearst Ranch: Family, Land and Legacy book lies open, showing a full-page picture of the coast and some text.