Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie And Jamie Ballard.
Hi Robbie and Jamie , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My husband Robbie and I were living in Colorado when we started talking seriously about wanting land, livestock, and a lifestyle that was more grounded and purposeful. In 2018, we decided to move back to Kansas, which is where I’m originally from, and begin that journey.
We started with chickens, then cattle, and eventually added sheep. What began as a small homestead quickly grew into something that required real planning, responsibility, and vision.
In 2020, everything took on deeper meaning. Robbie’s sister was pregnant, and the baby, Carter James, had a medical condition that meant he wouldn’t survive outside the womb. Our entire family prayed for him, and although we didn’t get the earthly miracle we hoped for, Carter passed away on November 13, 2020.
Even though his life was short, it marked our family forever. We decided to name the ranch after him, not just because it was a fitting cowboy name, but because he gave us a sense of purpose that shaped everything we do here.
As we grew, Robbie felt strongly that this shouldn’t be just a hobby. He wanted a true direct-to-consumer ranch that fed local families. My background is in teaching, and I love helping people learn about this lifestyle. Those two passions worked well together.
Today, at the Carter James Ranch, we raise and sell beef, chicken, lamb, and eggs directly to our community. We love feeding families real, high-quality food and connecting people with where that food comes from. That is the story behind that name and what drives us to live with purpose, hope, and joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part of ranching is dealing with death. You can do everything right, nutrition, fencing, shelter, care, and still lose an animal. It’s humbling every single time, and it never gets easier.
The second-biggest challenge is water. Keeping water clean and unfrozen through a Kansas winter takes creativity, grit, and a sense of humor.
Then there’s scaling. We don’t feedlot, it’s more like homesteading on a large scale. That means more land, more hot wire, more moves, more planning, just more of everything. We’re constantly trying to grow in a way that keeps the animals’ quality of life first.
And on top of that, we’re direct-to-consumer. So not only do we have to raise the food, we also have to find the customers who want it. Marketing is its own hurdle, and we’re learning as we go.
It’s challenging, but it matters and that’s why we do it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the Carter James Ranch, we raise beef, chicken, lamb, and eggs and sell them directly to families in our community. We specialize in regenerative grazing, and we do not feedlot and our animals live on pasture and move often, more like homesteading at scale.
What sets us apart is that we’re truly direct-to-consumer. We don’t rely on farmers markets. Instead, we deliver straight to the consumers door. We do this because we’re trying to serve the regular, hard-working people who are stretched thin with jobs, school drop-offs, sports practices, and life in general. These are folks who care about eating well but do not always have the time or energy to spend a Saturday morning at the farmers market. By delivering directly, we make good, honest food easier for families who want it but are juggling a lot. It’s important to us that local food is accessible, not something you have to rearrange your life to go get.
We are most proud of the changes we see happening in the soil. Without pesticides or herbicides, we’re seeing earthworms, beetles, birds, and a wider variety of grasses. The seed bank is coming alive, and the land is responding to the way we manage it.
We’re also proud of restoring the 1895 farmhouse on the property and opening it for guests on Airbnb. It’s a space where people can unwind, experience ranch life firsthand, and see the land they’re helping to support.
When people see our brand, we want it to represent trust, quality, and integrity. We care about feeding families real food and doing it in a way that cares for the animals and improves the land, not depletes it.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people are surprised that our biggest goal isn’t just raising meat, it’s rebuilding soil. Seeing earthworms and dung beetles feels just as exciting as a freezer full of inventory, maybe even more so because it tells us we are doing something right. Being first time ranchers, we are learning as we go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carterjamesranch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carterjamesranch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carterjamesranch/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carterjamesranch
- Other: https://airbnb.com/rooms/1264601068595582437
