Meet Caleb and Shanda Mattix of M Arrow Ranch Co. After getting married, they partnered with Shanda’s mom, Sue Draper, to continue raising the Draper Family commercial cattle herd. They have added their own cows and replacement heifers to the herd over the years. They cooperate with a neighbor to put up feed to sustain the herd during the winter months. Additionally, they’ve now made their home-raised beef available to consumers under the name of M Arrow Ranch. Daughter, Morgan, and son, Rawlins, are the family’s 6th generation to learn cattle production in Northwest Kansas. 

Caleb grew up in Southeast Kansas and met Shanda while attending K-State. Caleb was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Shanda joined the sister agriculture sorority, Sigma Alpha; they were introduced through chapter activities. Both graduated in 2007, married in 2009, and decided to make their home in Colby. 

Shanda spent the first 20 years of her career in higher education serving as the Equine Program Director and Equestrian Team Coach at the local community college. Now, she gets to focus her attention on her family and the family businesses.  As a lover of western fashion and punchy home decor, Shanda operates Barnwood & Bling out of our family barn.

Caleb operates Caleb Mattix Portable Welding focusing on agriculture construction, welding, and concrete. During his youth and college jobs, Caleb developed some incredible skills in agriculture construction and welding which he’s translated into his business, CM Portable Welding. Caleb and Shanda are heavily involved in Thomas County Farm Bureau and Kansas Farm Bureau. Caleb represents District 10 on the Kansas Farm Bureau Board of Directors. They are passionate about sharing their love for agriculture and the rural way of life.

Their family is active in the Colby First Presbyterian Church and the Thomas County 4-H Program. As a family who is invested in their community, they look forward to bringing people to Colby every year for Prairie Barn Market.