March 12, 2026 by Kyrstin Pull

Leonard “Carl” Grieb

July 1928 – March 2026

Leonard “Carl” Grieb a native of Arroyo Grande and lifetime resident of the Central Coast passed away March 3, 2026, at the age of 97, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was looking forward to being reunited with his bride of 75 years, Barbara, who passed away in May 2025.

Carl was born July 27, 1928 to Fred and Gertrude (Haven) Grieb and was the 8th of 9 children, all of whom have proceeded him in death.

Carl graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1947 and he married the love of his life, Barbara Lucille Decker, February 12, 1950. They have 3 daughters, Wynetta (Kevin) McClain and Margie (Scott) Runels of Oregon and Connie (Stan) Willems of Arroyo Grande. They have 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carl was a dairy farmer in the 1950’s, an operating engineer for 25 years with Engel and Gray, of Santa Maria and always a cattle rancher and horseman. He accomplished so many things that most people would never even attempt.

In the early years he loved to run his hound dogs and enjoyed hunting a few nights a week. After retirement he enjoyed team penning, pack trips, hunting, cowboying and helping others. He was a good provider and very generous. He had a very strong work ethic, which he passed on to his daughters at an early age and loved competition. Even as a young boy Carl loved to buy, sell and trade. The story is
even told of him trading away his sister, Lorna’s cat! Even up to a couple of years ago he was still buying, selling and trading goats, pigs and cattle.

Carl was an avid reader, did suduko and loved a good game of Sorry. He loved to laugh, he loved his caregivers and he always loved a good practical joke. He was the best friend anyone could ever have and he always helped anyone who needed it. He loved his Lord and most of all his wife and family.

The legacy of Carl Grieb will live on for many generations.

A Celebration of Life and BBQ will be held April 11th, 11:00am at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Drive, Arroyo Grande.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations to honor Carl, who loved the youth and agriculture can be made to: Apela Foundation, Ag Adventure Day Camp, 4293 Lopez Dr. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Coastal Christian School, Ag Dept, 1005 N. Oak Park Blvd., Pismo Beach, CA 93449

January 21, 2016 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Mud, Mud, Mud

Ranch help in the mud (1024x765) The recent flash rains caused a lot of work for us as the dry, crisp vegetation left on the hills washed and the soil that had turned to powder, flowed. washout along the road (1024x765) All year we work at maintaining our mountain ranch roads so they will hold up when the rain comes. We don’t need them to get wiped out. The recent rains, and the manner in which they came, challenged all we have done during the past years of drought. Ethan in washout (1024x765)

Our soil is called clay or adobe so even after days of no rain vehicles are not allowed on them. The roads stay very slick and dangerous.

Clearingwaterway (993x1024)

The mud accumulated up the canyon where dead trees had fallen and blocked water passage. This year there was more dead wood because of the years of drought. So we sent Papa, along with some help, to clear the passage. They were able to get a tractor up there and do the job. Who knew there was so much dead wood to wash down?

Since the roads were impassable, riders had to be sent out to maintain some remote equipment on the ranch. They rode and worked as the rain came down.

The cows have been kept in off the hills for months to give the hills a rest so we will have a place to ranch for generations to come. As the hills are greening the cows will gradually follow their noses to find the grass and move out. We are thankful for the rain, but the mud is still an everyday challenge. Well for most of us anyway!

August 11, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

A Day In The Life at Grieb Ranch

A day in the life at Grieb Ranch. We were out gathering cattle at Grieb Ranch, recent rain stimulated the grass to emerge; giving a hint of green, the morning was clear and we could see to the ocean. The cattle were making their way back to our main area . . . we turned to see that it was just another beautiful day on Grieb Ranch. We were thankful.

Yes the recent storm dumped enough water to allow Connie to skip watering for a week. However the hay stacks got wet, and the moisture caused the grass seeds to germinate but without regular watering the grass will die and not re-germinate. Yet we are thankful. Even when the rain actually can leach out the nutrients in the grass which then provides less feed value to the cows, we are still thankful.

PSALM 121

1I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

2My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

4indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

June 12, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

All In A Day’s Activities

The list of things to do never ceases to end at the ranch. We are gearing up for Ag Adventure Camp next week where several of us introduce agriculture to kids who don’t get to experience what we do everyday. Several of our Grieb Ranch horses provide the kids with riding experiences to treasure. Many of these kids have never had the opportunity to ride. We bring in baby chicks which amuse the campers. We enjoy the delight on these kid’s faces as they hold the delicate, little, fuzzy creatures. The goats give hands-on experience in milking. The kids learn to rope a steer . . . a dummy steer, shoot a bow and arrow, play horseshoes, shoot BB gun and just simply take in the great outdoors and experience so much of God’s creation working together.

We have sent some calves to market as the grass goes to seed. It is this time of the year that we process/butcher a nice grass-fed steer for our meat for the year which makes for some nice tender steaks. We have also hatched out some new chicks.

Grass-fed beef

Make Way for Ducklings.

All in a day’s work

And in the midst of all this we had a unique happening at the ranch. As if we do not have anything else going on at the ranch . . . A young cow got her head stuck through the fence. This was a first for us. We had to get a jack to spread the bars to get her out… we then used rope to help turn her head.

On top of all of this Ethan is getting a heifer ready to show at the fair. He recently participated in a 4H Presentation Day that was held at UC Davis. He gave his presentation, “Pre-Show Heifer Fitting Guide”, where he received a Gold at County Level, Regional Level and then State Level. Congratulations to Ethan!

All in a day’s activities!

April 14, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

When The Going Gets Tough . . .

Carl, JR and Gene – Ranching friends through the years.

“When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going!”

Yes, we have all heard that phrase but have you ever thought of that when you are sick or on vacation? Well consider the life of a rancher or farmer . . .

Ranchers can’t call in sick. There are no such things as “sick days” or “sick leave”. The animals always need to be fed several times a day. Rain or shine, freezing or scorching weather, holiday or weekend, whether the farmer is sick or feeling great, the animals must be fed. Farmers can’t call in sick either. Harvesting and irrigating crops at the right time is crucial. The harvest won’t wait.

In addition to trusting in God and a lot of prayer, the farmer or rancher has to decide on priorities. What has to be done today, what can wait and what can be put off indefinitely. Then he or she has three options; tough it out, hire employees or rely on family and friends.

Ranching friends help each other out.

“We are here to help.”

A support network is so important that banks do not like to lend money to buy a ranch outside of a person’s current area or state. They feel farmers and ranchers have a better chance of surviving if they have a network of family and friends to rely in the rough times.

Even the toughest farmers and ranchers will experience sickness sometime in their lives. They need to be prepared by planning ahead, building a reliable support network and always trusting in God.

How can you fill in for or pray for a farmer or rancher today?

How can you help a rancher today?

By Margie Grieb Runels

April 1, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Happy Easter From Grieb Ranch

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.’ ” Matthew 28:5-7

After a Sunrise Service to celebrate “He is risen!” on Easter morning, we serve our guests fresh-squeezed Orange Juice from our own trees and a Western Omelette.

Orange Juice Squeezer

Western Omelette

This Western Omelette recipe is a big hit for a branding breakfast or as early nourishment for the hands on shipping day. It is also a favorite breakfast dish enjoyed by the guests at Grieb Farmhouse Inn (Bed and Breakfast).

Recipe for: Western Omelette

From the Kitchen of: Margie Grieb Runels Servings:2

Need: Iron Skillet

Ingredients:

4 pieces of bacon
1 medium potato
Dash of salt and pepper
1 tsp dry minced onions
4 eggs
½ Cup grated Cheese
1 piece of bread

Instructions:

Fry bacon in frying pan(set aside)
Pour grease out of pan, but leave a tiny bit.
Put one medium size grated raw potato into pan on medium to low heat.
Season with salt & pepper and minced onion.
Cover potato and 4 beaten eggs.
Cover eggs with grated cheese.
Crumble two pieces of bacon on top.
Cover pan and cook on low for approx. 10 minutes until gelled and firm.
Cut in half and serve with remaining bacon and toast.

**For more people just increase ingredients, and cut like a pie.

Even better when served with salsa!

February 28, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Winter Round-up at Grieb Ranch

In late winter here on the California Central Coast ranchers traditionally gather often to “ride the ranches”. They help each other out with the big chore of rounding up the cattle and working the Fall calves.

“Ranchers just help each other out.”

The cowhands bring their favorite cow horse or arrange to borrow a cow horse from the rancher. Leaving as the sun breaks over the horizon, the cowhands ride out to where the cattle tend to hang out and herd them to a corral or holding area. No matter what the weather – in the heat or chill – the cowhands go to work on the calves; roping, branding, earmarking, vaccinating, de-horning and castrating the Fall calves. This is a big job that requires many experienced hands.

Amanda got the best job of looking after Little P.

Grandma Connie gets to hang out with Little P.

Warming up.

“Riding the ranches” brings the ranchers together, forging new and old friendships through the shared work of caring for the livestock. Keeping the western lifestyle alive, these rugged men and women carry on regardless of circumstances. This year at Grieb Ranch one cowboy got kicked in the chin and had to get stitches. He returned to finish the work and enjoyed the BBQ that always follows the dust, dirt, smoke and sweat of “riding the ranches”.

“Worked” calves.

February 21, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Cattle Round-Up and BBQ This Weekend at Grieb Ranch

The dogs help round up the cattle.

Roping the heel.

Calf gets worked.

The cattle will be gathered this weekend so that we can work the new calves born in the Fall. We will go into the hills on horseback and bring our canine helpers to drive the cattle down the hill into the pen to work them. This activity takes many hands and as a thank you we provide a Santa Maria style BBQ.

Tri-Tip on the grill.

What is a Santa Maria Style BBQ?

The meat cut originated in the Santa Maria California Valley. It is called Tri Tip due to the special cut which is a triangular bottom sirloin. Hunks of Tri Tip about 3 inches thick are cooked over a fire of red oak wood coals which are also unique to the California Central Coast. Salt, pepper and garlic salt are the only seasonings used. The fire pit grate with the meat is raised or lowered over the red hot coals to ensure the right temperature. It usually takes the meat about 45 minutes to cook. Once cooked, the meat is sliced and served in large stainless steel pans, letting each person to make their choice of doneness.

To compliment the delicious Tri-Tip, a special recipe of beans (which includes hamburger, bacon and onions) are served along with butter-drenched bread and salads that the ranchers might bring to the meal.

Grieb Ranch BBQ Beans – Here is the recipe we use at Grieb Ranch for the beans

3 lbs of Pinquito beans 1 medium onions

1 lbs of hamburger 1 tsp salt

1 strip of diced bacon 1 Tbl chili powder

½ tsp. Garlic Powder

2 cans (8oz.) of tomato sauce

Clean beans (remove any rocks or floating bean skins) and soak in cold water overnight. If you are in a hurry and forgot to soak them, cover beans with about 2” of water in large pan, bring to a boil and turn off the burner. Let set for 1 hour and then resume cooking. Cook beans in a large kettle covered with 2” of water. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer until tender. 2-3 hours. You will have to add water from time to time. Always add hot water to keep the beans covered. When tender add 2 tsp. salt

One hour before serving (when beans are fairly tender) brown the following ingredients in a skillet: bacon, hamburger, chopped onion, chili and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

When beans are tender add the meat mixture. Simmer another ½ hour.

Happy Trails to You!

January 22, 2015 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Middle of Winter, With Sunshine Abounding

Middle of Winter and Sunshine Abounds

Mud means rain so we want to see more of this!

Oh where is the rain? We are thankful for what we have received yet so much more is needed. Yet here we are in the middle of winter and sunshine abounds . . . praying for rain. Although it is beautiful here, we want to see mud like this on Mr. T because that means rain.

As we pray for rain, we still must maintain our herd and our land. So what does that mean for us presently at Grieb Ranch on a daily basis? Lots of time re-setting and fixing fences to help manage the available grass with rotational grazing on top of providing supplemental feeding. Also the bulls have been getting out and fighting with the neighbors so . . . yup you guessed it – more fixing of fences. We also must make sure the water troughs are working so there is an ample and steady supply of water for the cattle. So life goes on as we juggle the demands of the ranch and carry on our “regular” jobs too. We love our life and we thank God for His provision.

Fences, all a part of keeping animals contained.

More fences to fix.

And more fences.

November 7, 2014 by ride-n-mama Sharon

Replacement Heifers

Ethan’s CA Calf

Fall is the time of year when we re-evaluate our stock at Grieb Ranch. We ask ourselves questions like:

“Which ones will make great 4-H projects?”

“Which bulls should we keep for future breeding stock?”

“Which bulls need to be castrated, because they did not grow like we had hoped?”

“Which cows need to be replaced by younger heifers?”

Cows (females) make up the majority of our herd and some age-out or have other issues which cause us to cull them out of the herd. They are replaced by younger female cows called, Replacement Heifers.

The first choice of Replacement Heifers comes from the new calf-crop that is making their entrance into the herd daily on the ranch in the Fall. Once chosen to be part of the herd, several activities take place to tag and indentify each one.

All heifers have to be “banged” which means to be vaccinated against Brucellosis or Contagious abortion/Bangs disease before they turn a year old. At the time of vaccination, a tattoo is applied in the ear which identifies the animal as having received the “official vaccine”. The tattoo is in the shape of a “shield” (looks like a flower, kind of) that has a letter on one side and a number on the other side. These identify the RB51 vaccine and the year in which vaccination took place. Vaccination is an important tool in the control, management and elimination of Brucellosis.

Each heifer will also wear an ID tag and some other ear tags.

Ethan’s 4-H project Replacement Heifer #79.

Here is #79, Ethan’s 4-H heifer for 2015. She is looking at us from inside the squeeze chute which is necessary to use when we work the animals. The blue tag is her ID tag. The large orange tag is to help reduce the flies, lice, ticks that may try to bother her. The flies and lice would reduce weight gain, and ticks carry a fatal disease called, Anaplasmosis. The little orange clip in the right ear is the bangs tag that has to be put in by a vet after the heifer has been officially vaccinated. In addition to the “Bangs” tattoo, most cattle have a ear tag which is a long skinny metal tag of silver or orange color that is clipped to the top edge part of the ear close to the head. If the replacement heifer is missing the “bangs” ear tattoo upon arrival at the fair, then she is sent home.

A Replacement Heifer shown at the fair must be must be within approximately 75 days of calving by the day of sale. To get within that parameter fair the heifers are to be bred sometime after November 16^th.

Like most years Daniel has selected a bull who exhibits a “calving ease” trait. This bull will go in with the heifers. Since the heifers are young we want calves that should be born with a frame and weight that makes them easy to calve. The term used for the bull to produce smaller calves is called, “throwing small calves.”

In Daniel’s younger years he would ask, “Won’t it hurt the calves if the bull throws them?” We would explain that the bull wasn’t going to hurt the babies; just be a daddy to smaller-size calves.

The Story of Ranching at Grieb Ranch

Ranching is a way of life needing to be preserved.

Grieb Ranch