Echo Bluff Ranch

Echo Bluff Ranch, Spanish criollo cattle, Buffalo, IA, Scott County and the Quad Cities near Davenport. Steve Thornton has raised Spanish criollo for more than a decade, participating in the American Spanish Criollo Association and following recommended health screenings for eyes and reproductive soundness.

The cattle are rotated through well-fenced pastures and receive year-round shelter in a climate-controlled barn, with calves socialized in small groups from the earliest weeks. Feed is locally sourced hay and pasture grasses supplemented with minerals tailored to breed needs. The ranch’s rolling limestone hills have supported livestock since the 19th century, a legacy that informs every breeding decision.

Attention to temperament has led several offspring to excel in low-impact grazing projects on nearby conservation lands. Steve Thornton maintains detailed records on lineage and performance, ensuring that each animal meets standards for sound structure and docile temperament.