Sweet Grown Alabama Blogs

Blue Ridge Cattle Company’s story started as just a dream in their first home situated on Blue Ridge Drive in Bellevue, Nebraska. During their time in the military, Dylan and Kali Gilbert were both stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. While living in Nebraska, Dylan utilized his time in the Midwest to gain invaluable information about the cattle industry by volunteering his free time in nearby feedlots and attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He eventually obtained his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Food and Livestock Production Management with a minor in Grazing Livestock Systems – all while still completing his active duty requirements. 

As life progressed, Dylan and Kali worked towards moving their family back home to Alabama. Not only to be closer to their families in Marion and Winston Counties, but to hopefully join the efforts of the Alabama beef producers and help advocate for the state of Alabama's beef cattle industry. Dylan has a heart for education and advocacy within this industry, particularly in finishing cattle and freezer beef production. In 2021, they bought the farm in Cullman and began the journey of rebuilding a farm as well as starting their own business, and what a journey that has been. With each fence line dug from overgrowth and another fence repaired from that one hot-headed steer, they have learned many valuable lessons about not only farming, but perseverance over adversity and working towards their goals. They also have made wonderful connections with the amazing neighbors who sometimes end up with those steers in their pastures!

They focus on providing quality livestock so that consumers will have a quality product to enjoy with their friends and family. They strive to work hard and earn the trust of many so that when someone purchases their product it is something they feel confident in and want to come back for. They like to say they are an open book, because they truly want consumers to ask questions on what they do, how they do it and why they do it. Transparency in this business builds trust – and they are passionate about that trusting relationship with customers.

Currently a small operation, they have big dreams and goals to create something that their daughters can be proud of and have one day. They want to be part of dynamic forward progress in the Alabama cattle industry, bringing Alabama cattle producers to the forefront of the US cattle industry. They also want to be a business that customers can turn to when looking for quality protein products for their family. They understand a meal isn't just for eating, but gathering around for all those important moments in life.

You can read more about them, shop or follow their social media pages linked on their website at BlueRidgeCattleCompany.com

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Sweet Grown Alabama.