Grand Bar Ranch, LLC
Registered Brahmans
&
3B Cattle, LLC
Crossbred Cattle
San Antonio, Florida
Bos Sires Genetic Partner
Larry Barthle
Today, Grand Bar Ranch continues to run a blend of seedstock and commercial cattle, with around 50–99 registered Brahman females and a commercial herd exceeding 500 head. The program emphasizes low-input, functional cattle built to thrive in Florida’s subtropical environment. Limited show genetics were introduced in the 1990s, but those lines were phased out over a decade ago in favor of cattle that calve consistently, maintain sound feet and legs, and carry themselves with a calm, trainable disposition. For Larry, a good cow is one that not only looks the part—but proves it every year, without needing to be pampered.
The registered herd is grounded in legacy Florida bloodlines, with foundational influence from the Partin and Tucker programs. Today, new genetics are selectively sourced from regional leaders like Kempfer Cattle, Rocking S Ranch, the University of Florida, and New Mexico State University. While the Brahman herd is managed through single-sire matings, the commercial crossbred side uses up to five bulls per group, depending on herd size.
Cows are expected to earn their place through performance—no exceptions for poor udders, structural flaws, or bad temperaments. Bulls selected for use must demonstrate maternal depth in their pedigree, strong structure, sound pigment, and measurable carcass quality, with particular attention paid to ribeye area.
Larry Barthle comes from a long line of cattlemen whose roots run deep in the heart of central Florida. His grandfather, Joseph A. Barthle, began running cattle on open range near San Antonio in the 1920s and ’30s. When Florida’s fence law was enacted, the family began purchasing land and transitioning to a more structured operation. Joseph upgraded his herd using registered Brahman bulls from respected Florida breeders. That investment in genetics laid the foundation for what became a multigenerational legacy.
In time, the family purchased a small group of registered Grey Brahman heifers, officially joining the American Brahman Breeders Association under membership number 750. The commercial herd—built on Brahman, Angus, and Hereford crosses—eventually grew to around 2,000 head. The registered Brahman side of the operation stabilized at approximately 75 females. Through generational change and family division, the ranch evolved into what is now Grand Bar Ranch, LLC, stewarded by Larry, his wife Lynn, and their children and grandchildren.
The ranch’s adult herds are on a grazing plan that emphasizes grass, with free-choice minerals available year-round, protein supplements, and hay or haylage during the fall and winter. Weaned replacement heifers and bulls are kept on pasture and supplemented with soyhull pellets, additional protein, and hay during stress periods. Grand Bar Ranch has not retained ownership or fed any calves to slaughter in the last 10 years. However, past carcass data showed 60–80% grading Choice—a testament to the consistency of the program.
An active voice in the Florida beef industry and the Brahman breed, Larry is a past president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and has long advocated for the value of Brahman-cross calves. He is a member of the Florida Brahman Association, American Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA), and Eastern Brahman Breeders Association. He participates in events, serves on committees, and remains outspoken about the need for the Brahman breed to prioritize utility over show appeal.
Grand Bar Ranch continues to represent a multigenerational commitment to producing practical, functional Brahman and crossbred cattle that work in the real world—not just on paper.
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