Hidden Gems: Meet Joshua Ciardullo of Ciardullo Ranch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Ciardullo.

Joshua, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2016 my wife, son, and I moved from the suburbs of Denver to a more rural home in Wellington CO. After a few years of share-cropping hay on our 10-acre pasture we decided we wanted to raise our own beef. This decision was fueled by the greenwashing that is so prevalent in our agricultural sector. We wanted to know exactly what our cattle were eating and how they were raised so we could ensure that we were also eating the healthiest happiest beef possible.

It didn’t take long for friends and family to join in and our hobby farm grew. It wasn’t until a career-ending injury forced me to retire from the fire department that I went all in on ranching. After 19 years of service I found myself looking to fill a void. Ranching was all I wanted to do. So we leased land and purchased more cattle, and I took to raising livestock full-time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The profit margins in ranching are razor, thin, and starting off as a first-generation rancher means that you have no livestock no land, and no equipment. We had to take out loans to purchase virtually everything that we needed.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our main objective is to raise animals the way God intended. We let them live their lives on pastures, and we remain as hands-off as possible. No pesticides, herbicides, or other synthetic chemicals.

We do not process our beef until approximately 36 months of age, which allows for a more flavorful tender beef. I have not seen another producer put in the time that we do. We use minimal vaccines and only in rare circumstances do we use antibiotics when the animal’s life is in danger.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and being active. As a Colorado native, I have enjoyed many hobbies such as snowboarding, mountain biking, and camping/hiking.

Pricing:

• $8 lb hanging weight

Contact Info:

• Website: ciardulloranch.com
• Instagram: @ciardullo_cattle_co

Image Credits
Raul Esparza