ABOUT THE FAMILY WHO LIVES UNDER THE ROCK
Livia, Raina, Clancy, & Nathaniel Potter
ABOUT THE POTTERS
Nathaniel aptly named the abandoned horse property Big Rock Ranch driving down the driveway to see it for the very first time. That was in November of 2016. Little did we know then that we would be closing on it December 6th and beginning a new year, with a very different life as we drove back and forth to demo and renovate the house and barn ourselves through record snowstorms and blistering summer heat. Immediately we were putting holes in walls and purusing Craigslist for our first livestock. February of 2017, we purchased our first two heifers, short horn beef and Holstein crosses, that were halter trained and loved bread.
We have always loved cows. Those two ladies, Granger and Brie, were the start of something unimaginable for us! Our intention was never to be beef producers. The natural beauty of the rocks and the privacy captivated our souls… those two heifers captured our hearts.
In 2019, Raina was the first “heifer to calve” followed by Brie and Granger. That was the beginning. Raina has extensively researched, read, and experimented with rotational grazing benefits as her autoimmune diagnosis in 2016 set their personal lives in a new direction, one towards intentionally living and eating to honor ourselves, the food that nourishes us, and our home—the land. It has become a natural progression to share what we skillfully and intentionally raise for ourselves with others who really care about themselves, the animals, and our earth.
Nathaniel grew up in Monterey CA, visiting his uncles cattle ranch, Deschutes River Ranch, in the summers. Raina grew up right in Terrebonne/Redmond OR riding her horses on her family’s hay and cattle operation. BIG ROCK RANCH is a cumulation of their love for cattle, horses, the land, and nourishing themselves and their kids.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
Check out our listing on Hipcamp! In the winter we have a cozy tiny house, built entirely from the trailer up by Nathaniel. In the summer we have the wall tent and tiny available. We offer ranch tours and goat hangs for guests who want to interact with the animals and get a fully immersive ranch life experience! Our guests often arrive to fresh flowers and ranch-grown goods. It is also a peaceful place to watch raptors, deer, and hike. Don’t miss golden hour! See you soon!
STAY WITH US
We raise top-quality beef cows on lush summer pastures and high-quality free-choice hay and minerals year-round. Each year, we butcher 1-3 steers and sell them “Off the Hoof” to local and regional customers. We also have beef for sale by the package. Our beef is available in Monterey, CA, and Seattle, WA, as well as in Central Oregon, where our ranch and cattle herd are located. If you are looking for truly grass-fed, finished, and mineral-rich beef—we are your source!
BUY BEEF
Nathaniel is the owner of Big Rock Woodcraft LLC in Central Oregon. He has been working with wood for over a decade, making beautiful, functional furniture, cabinets, and custom pieces from frames for professional artists to heirloom-quality cutting boards, desks, and chairs. He does new and remodel cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms, and pantries; bookcases for studies and stores. Check out his stunning work at Paulina Springs Bookstore in Sisters, OR.
NATHANIEL’S WORK
Raina is a Certified Nutritional Therapist and deep researcher of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wisdom. She works with the body as an integrated system, using symptoms as signals to identify patterns of depletion, overload, and imbalance. Rather than isolating problems, Raina focuses on restoring the conditions the body needs to regulate, repair, and adapt. She works virtually with clients 1:1 to help them set and achieve health goals through individualized support.