Double V Ranch: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Premium Beef

The story of Double V Ranch is one that intertwines a lifelong fascination with animals, a commitment to healthy living, and the desire to build a family legacy. For Drago, it began with a childhood immersed in rural life and a deep-seated curiosity for animal genetics and breeding. His wife, Savannah, brought a passion for naturopathy and a dedication to preparing food from scratch. What started as a personal hobby and a quest for homegrown nourishment evolved into Double V Ranch. Together, they founded a place for them to each individually contribute to the tradition, while creating a legacy for their daughters.
 

A Shared Vision

Drago's early fascination with animals and genetics drove his desire to return to a farm. He found joy in caring for cattle and experimenting with breeding techniques, meticulously tracking their development. Savannah, with her focus on healthy eating, envisioned a place where they could raise their own food.

As their lives intertwined on the farm, Drago and Savannah's interests began to merge. Drago became increasingly involved in the healthy eating aspect, exploring how to raise animals in a healthier way while still achieving optimal performance. Savannah, in turn, became more engaged with the animals, learning about Drago's breeding practices and management techniques.

Beyond their individual passions, Drago and Savannah also envisioned the farm as a place for their two daughters to grow up. They wanted their daughters to experience this environment, to grow up with cattle and horses, and to learn responsibility and the value of hard work. Farm chores were seen as a beneficial complement to their daughters' other activities. Their hobbies and interests, shared values, and family aspirations led Drago and Savannah to establish Double V Ranch.

The Evolution of Double V Ranch

The establishment of Double V Ranch as a commercial enterprise was not the original intention. Initially, it was conceived as a small-scale operation to raise a few animals for the family's consumption, fulfilling Savannah's desire for homegrown meat. In the first year, they raised only four animals for slaughter.  But after sharing meat with friends and family, the word began to spread.  Drago and Savannah were excited to see the feedback from the families enjoying the meat, and the demand for a healthier grown product for their families.  Demand began to grow and they were motivated to keep growing and sharing this healthy beef option. As the operation expanded, Drago and Savannah recognized the potential to develop a small business, leading them to name it Double V Ranch.

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The Significance of the Double V Ranch Name

The name "Double V Ranch" was chosen with specific symbolism in mind. "Double" names were common for ranches in the past, particularly in the old Western tradition, where ranches were often owned by brothers or a father and son (e.g., "Johnson and Sons"). A "Double M Ranch," for instance, might indicate a ranch owned by individuals named Mark and Matthew.

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The two lines beneath the letter in their brand signify"Double". These brands, made of iron, were designed for ease of use in branding cattle by burning into their hide for identification. This practice served a different purpose than modern branding, which is primarily for advertising. The "Double V" in Double V Ranch honors Drago and Savannah's two daughters: Valentina, their older daughter, and Violeta, their younger daughter.

Cattle Breed Selection: Speckle Park

Drago’s initial attraction to the Speckle Park breed was primarily aesthetic.  However, his natural inquisitiveness led him to research the breed, uncovering its Canadian origins (the only Canadian breed) and its beneficial traits.

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Many people, unfamiliar with beef, simply associate "Angus" with the best beef, a perception largely driven by the Angus Association's successful marketing.  Just like dog breeds offer their owner different traits like size, trainability, longevity, coat preferences etc.  Cattle breeds are similar in the sense they exhibit greater disease resistance, faster growth rates, or desirable carcass traits, such as marbling and tenderness. In their experience, Speckle Park cattle excel in all of these categories.

The Importance of Marbling and Breed Characteristics

Marbling—the presence of intramuscular fat—is a critical factor in delivering flavorful, tender beef. Just as individuals differ in how they gain or retain body fat, certain cattle breeds are naturally more efficient at gaining weight and developing marbling. Speckle Park cattle, with Angus genetics in their lineage, are well known for their ability to produce high levels of marbling, making them highly desirable for premium beef programs.

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Feeding Practices and Meat Quality

Although Speckle Park originated in Canada, the breed has found exceptional popularity in Australia and New Zealand, where cattle can graze on grass year-round. In these regions, their ability to fatten on pasture alone has made them especially valuable. In contrast, Canada's climate often necessitates grain feeding due to seasonal limitations on forage availability.

This contrast raises an important consideration: how does a breed that excels on grass perform when transitioned to a controlled, grain-based diet? The theory is that such cattle, already predisposed to deposit fat efficiently, could reach optimal marbling levels faster under a grain program. This could allow for earlier slaughter without sacrificing quality. One of the distinguishing practices at Double V Ranch is harvesting cattle earlier than the industry standard to prioritize tenderness.

By processing animals at an age between traditional veal and full-maturity beef, the resulting cuts strike a balance of tenderness, portion control, and flavor. This approach also helps keep the product affordable and minimizes waste for consumers, aligning with evolving consumer preferences for quality over quantity.

Precision Farming and Data-Driven Decisions

Double V Ranch utilizes a data-focused management system that stands out among small to mid-sized beef operations. Instead of relying solely on visual assessments, the ranch tracks detailed metrics on each animal’s growth, feed consumption, and overall performance using structured spreadsheets and consistent monitoring protocols.

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This evidence-based approach drives informed decisions in breeding, nutrition, and culling. Cows that consistently produce lower-performing calves are removed from the herd, while heifers from top-performing lines are retained. Over time, this results in a measurable improvement in herd productivity and carcass quality. Performance records aren’t just used internally—they also serve as a valuable benchmark for other Speckle Park breeders whom we buy stock from, looking to elevate the genetics within their own programs.

By continuously refining both maternal lines and evaluating the outcomes of each breeding decision, the ranch ensures that its finished beef remains consistent in marbling, flavor and tenderness year after year. This consistency is not only essential for consumer satisfaction but also forms the foundation of Double V Ranch’s seedstock program. Breeding bulls and replacement females are selected based on proven data, not guesswork—ensuring that each generation carries forward the traits that matter most: efficiency, carcass quality, and structural soundness.

Through this integration of performance tracking and genetic selection, Double V Ranch is able to meet the dual goals of producing premium finished beef and offering high-value breeding stock to other progressive producers.

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A Foundation for the Future

Double V Ranch exemplifies the combination of genetic selection, data science, and thoughtful management practices. By balancing fat content with optimal harvest age, and by making decisions grounded in measurable performance data, the ranch consistently produces high-quality beef. The approach reflects a commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and long-term genetic improvement—offering a model for modern, premium beef production.