Trickle Creek Ranch

Trickle Creek Ranch, Shorthorn cattle, Excelsior, MN, serves Hennepin County and the Twin Cities near Minneapolis. Owned by Thad Hicks, the ranch has bred and raised Shorthorn cattle for over a decade with a focus on DNA-based genetic screening, health testing, and adherence to American Shorthorn Association guidelines. Their herd lives in open pastures edged by oak woodland, and calves learn gentle handling through regular socialization to develop calm temperaments. Calves are raised with attention to nutrition and receive regular veterinary checkups to ensure resilience and winter shelter in a heated timber barn.

Trickle Creek Ranch emphasizes sustainable husbandry practices and rotational grazing on creek-fed fields to support soil health, forage diversity, and animal welfare. Thad monitors breeding lines for conformation, maternal strength, and milking traits valued by small family dairies. Hicks participates in local agriculture workshops and supports youth livestock programs across the county. Visitors often describe a friendly atmosphere and thorough knowledge of breed history.