Sacco Brothers: A long legacy of sustainable ranching in Helper

Sacco Brothers Land and Livestock in Helper has been named by BEEF Magazine as its recipient of the 2024 Commercial Producer of the Year award. The following story spotlighting the operation was published by the magazine with its announcement of the honor:

The Sacco Brothers Land and Livestock operation stands as a testament to the power of family-run businesses and is the recipient of this year’s Commercial Producer of the Year award.

This Utah-based ranch, operated by four brothers — Vic, Frankie, Joe and Billy — along with the next generation represented by Josh and Jen Westwood, has grown from humble beginnings to become a model of sustainable and efficient cattle production.

The Sacco brothers run a cow-calf operation that currently manages around 500 head of cattle. This number has been reduced from 700 due to a three-year drought, showcasing the ranch’s ability to adapt to challenging environmental conditions. Their vast operation spans an impressive 247,000 acres, combining both Bureau of Land Management and private grounds.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sacco brothers’ operation is their grazing strategy. Unlike many ranches, they don’t rely on hay feeding. Instead, they’ve developed a sophisticated grazing system that utilizes their extensive rangeland, which stretches from spring and summer pastures at elevations up to 10,000 feet down to winter grazing areas.

The Sacco brothers have been pioneers in introducing the Gelbvieh breed to their part of Utah. Their herd consists almost exclusively of Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle, with a few Simmental-Angus crosses. This breed selection has proven highly successful, as evidenced by the outstanding performance of their calves in feedlots and at slaughter.

The ranch’s commitment to quality is reflected in its marketing strategy. For the past seven years, Sacco calves have been purchased by the same buyer, Kent Nelson, who takes them to Nebraska for finishing. The calves have consistently achieved an impressive 98 percent choice grade or better, a testament to the Sacco brothers’ breeding program and management practices.

The Sacco brothers utilize feedlot and carcass data on all calves sold, allowing them to make informed decisions when selecting bulls for breeding. This data-driven approach ensures continuous improvement in their herd genetics, focusing on traits that enhance feed efficiency and carcass quality.

The brothers take their role as land stewards seriously. They have implemented various range improvement projects, including the construction of ponds and the management of drainage systems. These efforts not only benefit their cattle but also support wildlife populations, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.

By relying on responsible grazing practices and avoiding intensive farming methods, Sacco Brothers maintains a remarkably small carbon footprint. This approach aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainably produced beef.

The Sacco family’s influence extends beyond their ranch. Dad Rex Sacco has held leadership positions in several industry organizations, including serving as the first chairman of the National Cattle Beef Association Public Lands Council and as president of the Carbon County Cattlemen’s Association. The family continues to be actively involved in these organizations, contributing to the broader cattle industry’s development.

From their modest start with just 19 cows in 1986 to their current status as respected industry leaders, the Sacco brothers have demonstrated that sustainable, efficient cattle production is not only possible but also profitable. Their success story serves as an inspiration to ranchers across the country, proving that with dedication, innovation and respect for the land, the American ranching tradition can thrive in the modern era.