Ep 65: The Story Behind Ratcliff Premium Meats w/ Kimberly Ratcliff

In this episode of the Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast, host Brandon and guest Alton engage in a lively discussion with Kimberly Ratcliffe, CEO of Ratcliffe Premium Meats. They explore Kimberly's transition from a corporate career to ranching, the history of Canyon Creek Ranch, and the evolution of Ratcliffe Premium Meats. The conversation highlights the importance of community upliftment through quality meat production, education in meat science, and the collaboration between athletics and agriculture. Kimberly shares her passion for customizing meat purchases and the role of food in uniting communities, especially within HBCUs. The episode also emphasizes the significance of women in barbecue and the importance of supporting each other in the industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of the meat industry, discussing unique cuts, sourcing challenges, and the joy of community gatherings centered around cooking. They share insights on the impact of media exposure on business growth, the organic development of a meat company, and the importance of understanding the meat supply chain. The discussion also touches on cooking techniques, the significance of community engagement through ranch tours, and promotional offers for listeners. In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Ratcliff, Brandon, and Alton discuss the importance of returning to natural foods, the rising trends in bone marrow and broth, and innovative cooking techniques. They explore the growing popularity of smoked oxtail and jerky, while also promoting unique cuts like T-bones. The discussion wraps up with thoughts on future collaborations and the importance of sharing culinary experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast02:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Ranching06:12 History of Canyon Creek Ranch09:07 The Evolution of Ratcliffe Premium Meats11:48 Community Upliftment through Meat14:58 Education and Partnerships in Meat Science17:59 Athletics and Agriculture Collaboration21:01 The Role of Food in Community Unity24:11 Customizing Meat Purchases27:06 Women in Barbecue and Community Engagement32:45 Exploring Unique Meat Cuts and Sourcing34:34 The Joy of Community Gatherings and Cooking36:40 Media Exposure and Its Impact on Business39:08 Overcoming Challenges in the Meat Industry42:15 The Organic Growth of a Meat Business45:40 Understanding the Meat Supply Chain46:41 Cooking Techniques and Meat Quality48:42 Engaging the Community with Ranch Tours50:53 Promotions and Offers for Viewers54:13 The Return to Natural Foods57:00 Exploring Bone Marrow and Broth Trends01:00:00 Innovative Flavors and Cooking Techniques01:02:01 The Rise of Smoked Oxtail and Jerky01:04:58 Promoting T-Bones and Unique Cuts01:06:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations