Flying Diamond Ranch Put Cattle First in New Documentary

SAN ANTONIO – Flying Diamond Ranch was featured in “Cattle First: The Movie,” a documentary that premiered Feb. 5 at the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio. The documentary launched the “Cattle First” campaign by Boehringer Ingelheim, a research-driven human and animal pharmaceutical company. A 12-person camera crew from Boehringer Ingelheim spent two weeks filming day-to-day operations at the Kit Carson, Colorado ranch. The resulting documentary showcases Flying Diamonds best management practices when it comes to cattle handling, environmental stewardship and animal welfare.

“We want to present an honest viewpoint of what we are doing,” said Scott Johnson, ranch owner and operator. “It is important for agriculture to open up.”

While a lot of ranchers hesitate to allow filming on their operations, Johnson said openness and honesty is key. There are always difficulties when working cattle, and Johnson said the documentary reflects that. In the end, he said the less-than-perfect footage makes a positive impact.

“The outside world will give you the benefit of the doubt if they think you are honest,” Johnson said. “In the video, not everything went just right, but we are willing to take the good with the bad.”

Jean Johnson, co-owner and operator and wife to Scott, said the pressure of preserving a 110-year legacy can only be shouldered when the family pulls together.

“This is a gift, but it comes with a big responsibility,” she said. “I do not think any of our kids take it for granted.”

Jean Johnson also stressed that honesty and openness are vital to educating consumers, especially those who have concerns about animal welfare.

“Our industry is very interesting to a lot of folks,” Jean Johnson said. “We do need a voice, and if a little video like this helps, that is great.”

Founded in 1907 in Kit Carson, Colorado, Flying Diamond Ranch now has three locations and sprawls across more than 50,000 acres. Currently owned and operated by the fifth and sixth generations, the Johnson family prioritizes working with nature to improve cattle, enhance natural resources and preserve a family legacy. For more information, visit flyingdiamondcattleranch.com.

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Press release by Wade Yoder for OSU coursework. Written February 11, 2020.