Long before cattle grazed these hills, Arthur and Ruby Nyland farmed the land around San Juan Bautista, cultivating potatoes, garlic, and sugar beets. Arthur, with his deep-seated love for livestock, ultimately transitioned the ranch from crops to cattle in the 1930s. It was then that he and his beloved wife Ruby embarked on a pioneering journey, flying to Ireland to acquire their first herd sire, the renowned "Irish Invader." This marked a historic moment, as the "Irish Invader" became the first bovine to cross the Atlantic by air.
Following the tragic loss of their son, Robert Nyland, who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving a fellow soldier during World War II, the Nylands generously donated land to the City of San Juan Bautista for the construction of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall. Their philanthropic spirit extended further, as they also contributed to the building of San Juan Bautista's city hall.
Arthur and Ruby Nyland were prominent figures in the community, renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit and civic engagement. Arthur played a pivotal role in establishing the Fiesta Rodeo, demonstrating his commitment to local events. The Nylands owned a private racetrack where they housed their celebrated trotter, "Butternut King," a descendant of the then-fastest harness horse globally.
The Next Generation
With a deep sense of family pride, Matthew and Rachel Manning are the fourth generation to operate this historic ranch. They are passionate about continuing the family's legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of modern agriculture.
Matthew and Rachel are committed to growing the ranch and responding to changing market needs. They're passionate about upholding the legacy of producing exceptional herd sires and expanding their direct-to-consumer beef program.
In a world of convenience food, Nyland Herefords offers something different: a connection to the source. When you buy from them, you're buying beef from animals raised on the ranch's rich San Juan Bautista pastures—animals with deep roots in this land.