Barry Morrell

Morrell Ranches

Willows, Calif.

Morrellbarry@yahoo.com

530-682-5808

Barry Morrell is the co-owner of Morrell Ranches, a seedstock Hereford and commercial cattle operation based in Willows, Calif. Barry, his wife, Carrie, and daughter, Bailey, founded Morrell Ranches in 2004 to grow the family’s operation into the third generation of Hereford cattle producers. Barry’s and Carrie’s families both raised Hereford cattle, and the couple met through the breed. After marriage, the two combined their herds to form A&M Cattle and later adopted the ranch name, Morrell Ranches. The Morrell herd includes 120 head of Hereford cattle, 80 commercial recipients, approximately 40 bulls sold private treaty and in annual consignment sales, and 20 heifers sold private treaty each year.

Barry is a strong supporter of the working cattleman and ensures Morrell Ranches offers bulls that exceed standards in terms of structure, carcass merit and phenotype. The operation utilizes AI, ET and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to ensure their herd is comprised of leading genetic influences throughout the breed.

After graduating from Chico State University with a degree in animal science, Barry realized his career interests were more suited as an agronomist, leaving Carrie to work the day-to-day operations of the ranch. Barry has worked for Colusa County Farm Supply for 26 years and is the vice president of the company, which is recognized as the largest fertilizer and chemical supplier in Northern California. In recent years, Barry brought his work home, and the family now grows conventional oat hay for use on the ranch. They have also planted 60 acres of walnut trees and 320 acres of almond trees.

Morrell Ranches was awarded the California-Nevada Hereford Association Breeder of the Year Award in 2011 and the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association Seedstock Producer of the Year Award in 2013. Barry has served on the California-Nevada Hereford Association board for two decades and the Western States Hereford board for 18 years. His commitment to serving Hereford breeders has been passed down to Bailey, who is a director for the National Junior Hereford Association. Beyond the breed, Barry is an active member of the Glenn-Colusa Cattlemen Association, local FFA advisory committees and the Glenn-Colusa Farm Credit advisory board.