J Lazy S Angus Ranch

J Lazy S Ranch: Jay & Chyenne Smith’s Commitment to Idaho’s Beef Industry 

The J Lazy S Ranch sits in Carmen, Idaho, just shy of the Montana border. It’s here that Jay & Chyenne Smith and their family run a cow/calf and seedstock operation, raising high-quality beef to feed consumers. We spoke with Jay & Chyenne to better understand their day-to-day responsibilities as ranchers and their contribution to the Idaho beef industry.  

Background

Jay and Chyenne Smith come from very different backgrounds of ranching and agriculture – both bringing unique passions and experience to their family’s cow/calf and seedstock operation, J Lazy S Ranch.

Jay’s family began ranching nearly a century ago when his great-grandfather founded the family’s first ranch in 1924. Although the ranch was not directly passed down to Jay, it is still run by family today. Chyenne, on the other hand, grew up in Montana. She wasn’t raised on a ranch but has always had a great love for horses. She felt drawn to the ranching lifestyle and decided to immerse herself in it – determined to learn everything from the ground up. Together, they have built a thriving range-based beef and pure-bred program, raising registered Angus cattle.  

Ranching Practices & Animal Welfare 

The beef program at J Lazy S Ranch involves raising cattle from birth until they are sold as replacement heifers or to feeders. Calves born on the ranch stay with their mothers until they are close to a year old. During this time, the calves are meticulously cared for, especially during the harsh winter months when constant snow requires them to be checked twice daily to ensure their health.

The Smiths integrate Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) standards into their ranch practices, focusing on low-stress cattle handling techniques. They have found that calm, quiet handling minimizes stress, reducing the risk of injury and illness in their cattle and positively contributes to the beef's quality. This philosophy extends to all aspects of their ranching practices, including horses for gentle herding management of cattle.

Uniquely, the Smiths also run a seedstock program – many ranching operations typically focus on one segment of the beef lifecycle or another. The Smiths have chosen Angus cattle for their operation due to the breed's marketability and adaptability. While other breeds have faced challenges from genetic trends, Angus cattle have remained reliable. The Smiths use data and genetics to consistently improve the quality and efficiency of their herd.

For Jay, one of the most enjoyable aspects of ranching is the science behind their seedstock program. Chyenne also finds joy in working with their cattle: “Thanks to Jay’s expertise in genetics, our cows are docile and maternal, making the work both manageable and rewarding.”  

Land Management & Sustainability 

The Smith ranch is located on the Eastern side of Idaho, with the continental divide sitting East of their property. This unique location offers both challenges and opportunities, with steep mountains and river valleys defining the landscape.

Jay and Chyenne raise their cattle on leased grazing lands, including federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of Agriculture. The federal lands they graze are characterized by tough, rugged terrain.

 “From an agricultural perspective, the only viable way to turn this forage into food is through grazing”, explained Jay. “We pride ourselves on employing holistic land management tools, effectively mitigating the risk of catastrophic land fires and ensuring the land remains productive and sustainable.”

The Smiths also grow a variety of crops at the ranch, including grass hay, alfalfa hay, and barley. “Growing our own hay is crucial; this means that we can support our cattle without overextending our resources,” said Chyenne.  

The Future of The Beef Industry 

The most pressing concern facing the beef industry, according to the Smiths, is the difficulty of breaking into the industry. “The high costs of land and equipment, along with the risks involved, make it challenging for newcomers” mentioned Chyenne. They both acknowledged the sacrifices required, but they remain hopeful that future land sales will favor ranching leases over new subdivisions, preserving the land for agricultural use.

“Ranching,” said Jay, “is essential for preserving Idaho's unique landscape. Fortunately, many people moving to Idaho are interested in learning about how ranching works and appreciate the land’s natural beauty.”

The Smith family’s commitment to raising their cattle with care, combined with their innovative practices, ensures that their operation remains sustainable and productive. Their story is one of passion and dedication, reflecting the broader values of the Idaho beef industry and its crucial role in the preservation of the state’s natural beauty. 

To learn more about J Lazy S Angus Ranch, visit their website or follow along on social media @JLazySAngus