OPG Ranch4Me

Ranch 4 Me is the inspiring story of Ivana Mehić, a former nurse who, after a long career in healthcare, decided to make a radical life change and start a new path in the countryside. Together with her husband, she bought a plot of land and started a family farm, despite having no prior experience with rural life or animal husbandry. As she says herself: "I'm a city kid from the 13th floor, the child of older parents who kept me under a glass dome."

 

In the beginning, she volunteered on a farm to learn the basics of animal husbandry, then bought her first calf, and later a cow named Ajša. She started selling milk in the neighborhood and used social media to introduce people to farm-fresh milk and challenge common misconceptions. Over time, she expanded production to include cheese and yogurt, learning everything on her own from books and online content.

 

Today, OPG Ranch 4 Me includes a farm with 17 cows, a small creamery, chickens that contribute to the farm's natural maintenance, and a dozen adopted dogs that complete the welcoming atmosphere. The entire family is involved: her son Antonio is the registered head of the farm and milks the cows, her younger son Ivan helps in the creamery and with sales, and her husband joins in when he's home. Ivana supplies a number of local restaurants and shops, including one of Croatia's top restaurants, Konoba Pelegrini, as well as Konoba Dalmare, Birin Winery, the Betina marina restaurant, Karmelski Dvori, Dalmatinski Pijat, Hotel Spongiola, and the shop at the Roca estate.

 

Ivana particularly emphasizes the importance of educating children, so she often hosts groups from schools and kindergartens. She believes it's crucial to develop an awareness of nature, animals, and sustainable living from a young age. She is also open to tourist visits and advocates for greater institutional support for small producers, such as easier equipment procurement and better information about regulations.

 

Her life motto – "You either rely on yourself, or you'll be miserable your whole life" – reflects her determined and independent spirit. Through dedicated work, curiosity, and courage, Ivana has created a sustainable family farm that not only produces high-quality dairy products but also passes on the values of love for the land and country life.