Meet your 2021 WCA President: Matt Ludlow

"The influence and effectiveness of local, state and national organizations is more important today than ever before. WCA provides a strong voice for Wisconsin beef producers, and I look forward to growing our membership and continuing to have a strong legislative voice in Madison."

Matt Ludlow has been involved with the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors for almost three years. Prior to joining the WCA Board, Matt was an active NCBA member, attending their annual convention each winter. Additionally, Matt was a part of the 2017 Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC) class.

Since joining the WCA Board, Matt has become very involved with the Steak Trailer and Legislative committees. Matt and Brady Zuck chair the Steak Trailer committee. In 2019, they successfully replaced the management team of the steak trailer - WCA's main source of income.

Matt and his father, Reid, operate Rush Creek Ranch near Viroqua, Wisconsin. The operation buys lightweight calves throughout the southeastern United States during the winter and contracts with other producers to precondition and graze the calves until spring. 

Rush Creek Ranch typically runs eight separate sets of cattle, ranging from 600 to 900 head, on pastures divided into 5-acre segments. Intense rotational grazing has allowed Rush Creek Ranch to increase stocking density by five-percent each year, without adding any additional acres to their operation. The Ludlows have made investments in water lines and tanks, and electric fencing to divide pastures and best utilize the rough hills of southwest Wisconsin.

"I would say my inspiration for the beef industry is genetic," Matt says. "My father, Reid, is the third generation to be involved in the beef industry. While we are in a different segment of the industry than my grandfather, who ran a feedlot in Colorado, the passion for what we do has been instilled through four generations."

Contact Matt:

Phone: 608-632-1607 

Email: [email protected]