Backbone Ranch's herd genetic base originates from Beaver Creek Farms in Lawton, OK, which maintained a closed herd for many years. Since 2015, Backbone Ranch has not purchased any new females or bulls. Instead, Hays Boyd utilizes older, heritage Murray Grey AI bulls and proven sires from top studs in Australia to diversify their genetics. To remain in the herd, a cow needs to produce a calf every year. Cows that become too drawn down from raising a calf, require extra deworming, or produce subpar calves are sold at the local sale barn. For a bull to become a herd sire, he must come from one of the top-producing cows, show masculinity early, and possess good body depth and muscling. Bull prospects are also tested for tenderness and marbling to ensure they can finish well on grass.

At Backbone Ranch, cattle have free-choice mineral available year-round. In winter, they are supplemented with hay and occasionally 20% range cubes to facilitate pasture movement. During particularly dry years, calves are provided with creep feed. Calves are usually weaned at 7-9 months, depending on the cows' body condition. The primary focus at Backbone Ranch is producing seedstock for other Murray Grey breeders. Although the ranch has a website, most sales are driven by word of mouth and photos shared on Facebook. The operation is managed by one full-time ranch manager who lives on-site, and the ranch does not show its cattle.

In 2023, Backbone Ranch began collecting embryos via IVF from some of their top cows, typically obtaining 5 to 8 embryos per flush. Artificial insemination is extensively used, incorporating older Murray Grey genetics that perform well on grass and produce quality carcasses with minimal inputs. While EPDs are not used for breeding decisions, selections are made based on overall phenotype, previous offspring, and the consistency of family lines when pairing cows with bulls.