MARK AND Carol McBride have nurtured McBride Angus Farms into a successful family operation rooted in faith, family, and sustainable agriculture. The couple has created a legacy that not only sustains their family but also enriches their community. Though both Mark and Carol were raised on farms, McBride Angus Farms represents a new chapter in their family’s farming legacy.
Mark explained, “Our farm journey is not an outgrowth of those farms. We actually started our own separate farming operation. In that context, we are a first-generation farm.”
Mark’s upbringing in West Tennessee and Carol’s in Iowa formed the basis for their mutual hopes and dreams. After marrying, they wanted their children to experience the joys and responsibilities of farm life. Their venture began when their oldest son started raising sheep in 4-H and later joined the National FFA Organization. This initial journey into livestock expanded in 2003 when they acquired their first Angus cattle, marking the birth of McBride Angus Farms.
In 2007, the McBrides moved their operation to Coffee County. Over the years, their family grew, with their two oldest sons and their families settling nearby. Mark and Carol are now proud grandparents to seven grandchildren, six of whom live within 2 miles of the farm. Mark said it is a tremendous blessing to watch their grandchildren learn how to care for animals and contribute to the farm’s success.
The values of faith, family, farm, and fun are instilled into McBride Angus Farms’ identity.
“Faith is no doubt the foundation. Having a knowledge of and sincere belief in God as our creator is where we start,” Mark shared.
Their faith guides their stewardship of the land and has set the tone for sustainable practices for the next generation.
“It is our responsibility to make sure we utilize sustainable practices so that future generations will also have the opportunity to have productive land resources,” he added.
Operating a farm is a significant undertaking that requires dedication and hard work. But, the McBrides wholeheartedly embrace it as they continue to build their family’s faith-driven farm legacy.
“If living and working on a farm were not fun, everybody would eventually move to the cities. While there is a tremendous workload on a working farm, even work can be fun with the right attitude,” Mark shared.
One unique aspect of McBride Angus Farms is its vertical integration, with every step of the cattle’s journey overseen by a family member. From the time a calf is born until it makes its way to the butcher, the McBrides ensure that their cattle receive the best care, reflected in the quality of meat they offer. Their operation is an Angus seed stock farm, raising 100% registered Angus cattle and selling superior genetics to other farmers.
Mark’s son, Matthew, and his wife, Amanda, run McBride Meats Co., a United States Department of Agriculture-inspected facility processing their cattle and those from other local farmers. This family-run meat company not only maintains the high standards of McBride Angus beef but also supports the local agricultural community.
Local distribution and community support are essential for McBride Angus Farms’ successful operation.
“Today, more and more people are interested in knowing where their food comes from. They want to know that it was produced humanely and with tremendous care and attention,” Mark explained.
The farm’s mission to provide high-quality beef to the local community and surrounding cities has created a loyal customer base, and word-of-mouth has spread its reputation far and wide.
Sustainable farming practices are another core part of the farm’s operation — rotating cattle grazing to prevent overgrazing, using chicken litter as fertilizer, and harvesting high-quality feed for the livestock.
“We have purposely fenced off all running water streams on our farms to prevent cattle from contaminating the freshwater supply,” Mark explained.
Additionally, producing and selling dry hay and baleage to other farmers created an additional income stream, enhancing the farm’s sustainability.
Life on McBride Angus Farms is unique, with each day bringing new challenges and rewards. During the fall calving season, the farm swirls with activity as they monitor cows, assist with births, and ensure the health and well-being of the new calves.
“Our favorite time of year is the fall,” Mark shared.
The farm’s operations also include cutting, raking, baling, and moving hay during the summer months, which can mean long days of hard work. From mid-November through April, feeding hay to the animals becomes a priority. Planning for next year’s calf crop involves careful breeding decisions, ensuring the highest-quality genetics for the herd.
In addition to their primary product of Angus beef, they are introducing a new line: McBride American Wagyu, a cross of Angus and Wagyu cattle. This high-end product will lead to greater marbling, higher omega-3 and omega-6 fatty content, and lower cholesterol levels, making it an attractive choice for discerning customers.
Mark and Carol plan to continue passing on their knowledge to the next generation and promoting quality, sustainability, and family values.
“Living on a farm is a tremendous way of life. There is no better education for children than to work alongside their parents and grandparents, experiencing the joys and disappointments that are an integral part of raising livestock and working on a farm.” GN
