T
he Ullrich family of Ramona was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 9 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 84th annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Clayton and Leslie Ullrich operate a multi-generational farm and ranch focused on crops, hay, cattle and agritourism. They farm 900 acres of soybeans and wheat; 2,500 acres of native bluestem and Bermuda; custom bale 2,000 acres of pastureland; and run a 700-head cow/calf operation.
“We run mainly Angus-influence crossbred cattle, but one thing we do here is we put our Piedmontese bulls on them, which is a breed that are double muscled,” Clayton said. “People seem to really enjoy them, and we sell to specialty places up in the north in Nebraska and stuff if we send our beef up there.”
Located north of Tulsa and south of Bartlesville, the Ullriches decided in 2016 to turn Clayton’s home farm into an agritourism destination, Oklahoma Heritage Farm. The farm, featuring large slides, a giant pumpkin slingshot, a petting farm and even an 11-acre corn maze, has given the family an opportunity to share the story of agriculture with the surrounding urban cities and local schools.
“You don’t realize how many people aren’t fortunate enough to live the life that we live and just that small part brings so much joy to them,” Leslie said. “I know Clayton loves it more than anything, to see people get to enjoy it and get a small taste of what farm life is like, while they’re also enjoying the festivities.”
The Ullrichs’ farm and ranch has embraced a mix of time-tested and modern practices to enhance productivity, sustainably and quality. The family introduced IMI third-party verification for their Certified Piedmontese beef program, ensuring transparency and trust in the quality of their grass-fed calves. They also strive to improve pasture health and cattle well-being by practicing rotational grazing.
In crop production, they balance traditional tilling with no-till drilling to optimize soil health and reduce erosion. The family also uses prescribed burning as a strategic tool to maintain pasture quality and encourage growth of native grasses.
The Ullriches have taken the most pride in being able to raise their four children, Colten, Michaela, Lane and Landon, on the farm and ranch, where they all still play an active role in the operation.
Landon, a Bartlesville firefighter, works side by side with Clayton in every area of the farm, and his wife, Kelli, helps in the field. Lane, a middle school science, technology and mathematics teacher, returns to the farm every summer to help with the hay field. Clayton, working in construction, contributes heavily during the hay season with equipment and field work. Michaela, working as the assistant head of admissions for a nearby Christian school, helps with the IMI-third party verification for the beef program and her husband, Luke, always helps when he is needed.
“I grew up in a ranching family, and Clayton grew up in a farming and ranching family, and it’s everything for our kids to get to live the same life that we grew up in,” Leslie said. “It brings a closeness to you and your kids, and your kids amongst each other, that I don’t think you get anywhere else. We’ve had some of our best times and conversations in a feed truck or in a tractor, and I absolutely love that part of it.”
Clayton and Leslie are actively involved within their community in and out of the field. Clayton serves on the Caney Valley School board, and Leslie is active in the American Women’s Auxiliary. Both are involved with their local church and are always looking for ways to support and serve those around them.
“I’m honored to get to live this life,” Leslie said. “I feel like you can take it for granted when you do it day in and day out, and you don’t realize how fortunate you are that other people may not get to see the things we see every day. I just can’t imagine doing anything else.”
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program celebrates nine farm and ranch families from around the state who carry on the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and our rural communities.
“Our family farmers and ranchers across Oklahoma work each and every day to feed and clothe our state and country while caring for the land and natural resources that we all depend on,” said Mignon Bolay, OKFB WLC chair. “Our Women’s Leadership Committee is honored to recognize these nine farm and ranch families and share their stories of agricultural achievements and service to their local, rural communities.”
As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award and a custom sign to hang at their farm gate. The family was also recognized at the 2025 OKFB convention with a video sharing their agricultural operation and heritage.
