HOPE HULL, Ala. (RFD News) — What started as a simple branding decision in the 1980s has grown into a multi-generation cattle operation in south Alabama.
CK Cattle, owned by Chuck and Katie Madaris, raises Angus seedstock and commercial cattle across more than 3,000 acres in Alabama’s Black Belt region.
Chuck Madaris says the ranch’s name came together after running into problems registering a different cattle brand.
“Kind of a standard thing most people do with their initials, but I went to register the brand, and it was just no way I could get the ‘CM’ brand. So I had to get creative. Me and Katie’s initials, and our kids, Charlie and Kathleen, both had the initials. So we came up with the CK.”
The family operation was recently named Alabama’s 2026 Farm of Distinction for its impact on the local community.
The Madaris family says stewardship remains a major focus across the operation, from rotational grazing practices to fencing and water systems designed to improve efficiency and help protect the land for future generations.
This show-stopper holiday main dish recipe will impress any guest lucky to sit at your table! The crunchy, salty pistachio crust on the succulent, slow-cooked ribeye roast pairs perfectly with the rich mushrooms, shallots, and red wine sauce.
In this go-to summer grilling recipe, Beef Back Ribs are marinated in an Asian-inspired marinade and then grilled to perfection.
A spicy sauce made with chili sauce and crushed red pepper flakes gives these Spicy Beef Back Ribs amazing flavor.
The key to success when cooking ribs is the low temperature and several hours of cooking time. However, this beef primal cut also contains popular tender, juicy cuts of meat like Ribeye Roast and Ribeye Steaks.
The Round Primal is home to lean, inexpensive cuts from the rump and hind legs. The muscles in this area are used for movement, so the beef is leaner and less tender. These cuts are often sold as roasts, steaks for marinating, or even Ground Beef.
One skillet, five ingredients and a few minutes are all you need to get this spiced up hash on the table!
