Dennis Welch - Owner/Operations Manager/Navy Veteran

Dennis Welch was raised in Oklahoma, where he spent his youth working on large cattle ranches in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. His deep-rooted passion for cattle ranching started at an early age, shaping his strong work ethic and agricultural expertise. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent several years as a sailor before transitioning into a career as an engineer.

It was his engineering work that brought him to Rhode Island in 2006, where he met his future wife, Crystle, a native of Aquidneck Island. The two built a life together, eventually marrying and raising their two children, Lillie and Easton. Family is at the heart of Slate Hill Cattle Company, and their kids love spending time on the ranch—helping name the majority of the cattle and learning the ins and outs of ranch life.

Balancing Work, Family & Ranching

When he’s not at his 9-to-5 job as an IT Specialist at Naval Station Newport, Dennis is fully immersed in ranch life—whether it's managing daily operations, improving infrastructure, or working alongside his family. If there’s any time left in the day, you’ll likely find him hunting or fishing, enjoying the great outdoors just as he always has.

At Slate Hill Cattle Company, ranching isn’t just business—it’s a family affair. With a love for the land, a commitment to ethical farming, and a vision for sustainability, Dennis and his family are dedicated to raising high-quality Pinzgauer cattle while preserving the ranching heritage for generations to come.