John Lacey is a third-generation rancher managing cattle and horses across California through the Lacey Livestock Partnership. Based primarily in the Owens Valley, Lacey and his family oversee extensive ranch operations covering over 50,000 acres in Inyo and Mono counties. The partnership also extends to Centennial Livestock, leasing land in Monterey and the Tejon Ranch, managing thousands of cattle seasonally. John’s hands-on approach reflects his deep connection to the land and livestock, including breeding and training horses.
His passion for horses began in the 1960s, and over the years, he developed a breeding program emphasizing athletic ability, disposition, and cow sense. Lacey has owned and bred several notable stallions, including those from prestigious bloodlines such as Mr. San Peppy and Colonel Freckles. His breeding philosophy prioritizes using proven mares, integrating speed breeding for enhanced athleticism. Lacey’s approach has earned recognition, including the AQHA-Bayer Best Remuda Award.
In addition to ranching, Lacey has been a prominent figure in the livestock industry, serving as president of both the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) after helping merge the NCA with other beef organizations. A graduate of Cal Poly, he lives in Paso Robles with his wife, Dee, staying close to their Tejon Ranch operations. Despite his success, Lacey remains committed to building a self-sustaining horse breeding program exclusively featuring Lacey-bred mares, a goal he has pursued for decades.
