TM
The Largest Privately Owned Hereford Newspaper in North America
The one that’s read “from cover to cover.” • Visit us on the web at: www.herefordamerica.com Vol. 24, No.5
Published by: Hereford America, Inc. • 13823 Beaver Creek Place • Reva, SD 57651 • Est. 1996
Editorial Comments...
Jill Bayers Hotchkiss Did you go to the big show in Oklahoma City? The firstever Cattlemen’s Congress was held in January 2-17, 2021. Jill Hotchkiss “The Cattlemen’s Congress was formed in the fall of 2020 to present an opportunity for cattlemen and women across North America to exhibit their cattle and showcase the highest quality genetics the cattle industry can offer,” states their website. After the cancellation of the National Western Stock Show in Denver, two big shows emerged, Cattlemen’s Congress and The Nebraskan. The latter ended up cancelling at the eleventh hour, citing concerns over Covid-19 but the Cattlemen’s Congress persevered and held their large event. “We brought together the best minds in the industry and partnered with breed associations in order to provide an opportunity for breeders to showcase their hard work,” they stated. “From world class shows, incredible facilities, room for a stunning trade show, and ample event centers for meetings and sales, Oklahoma City was an obvious choice to host this grand event.” While certainly not like Denver, after all how could any show be just like Denver, the Cattlemen’s Congress seems to have made progress toward carving out its own niche and was popular with participants and exhibitors. (continued on page 5)
February 2021
Putting Hybrid Vigor to Work —
Goggins Ranch near Ennis, Montana, produces top quality Red Baldy Feeder Cattle by Rachel Endecott A Hereford cow base is the rocksolid foundation that Goggins Ranch builds their reputation red baldy feeder calves on. “Our Hereford base is extremely important to us, and it’s a high priority to maintain that base,” says Janet (Goggins) Endecott. The ranch near Ennis, Montana, strives to raise an elite set of replacements and high quality feeder calves each year. Janet’s folks, Bob and Cora Goggins, founded Goggins Herefords in 1955 and marketed bulls throughout the country. Over time, the family shifted to a commercial operation that puts hybrid vigor to work. Today, Janet and her brother Pat Winter feeding in the Tobacco Root Mountains.
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Midway Polled Herefords: A Legacy Lives On by Terra C. Ochsner Sheyenne, ND. — The Smith family ranch has been a permanent fixture of the Sheyenne landscape since 1912 when their first homestead was established. Doug Smith, who was born on the original homestead in 1935, put his faith in the Hereford breed when he purchased five Polled Herefords in 1953, and as the old saying goes, he never looked back. Looking to the Past Flash forward 48 years. In August of 2001, Raylene Nickel wrote an article about Midway Polled Herefords and the Smith family titled “Building a Hopeful Future.” At the time, Doug and his wife Ann were running the operation with the help of their son, Bill, and his wife, Karen.
When this article was written, Bill and Karen’s daughters, Kate and W h i t n e y, were 11 and eight respectively. To g e t h e r, the Smiths had expanded their herd to approximately 120 head The top 20 bulls at Midway are sold by private treaty each year. They of purebred are known for size, pounds and conformation among other qualities. Polled Herefords and 115 commercial Hereford ally, the family would hold an annual and Black Baldy heifers. Addition- private treaty sale of their top 20 two-year-old Polled Hereford bulls, and they spread the word about their sales almost exclusively by word of mouth. The most gripping thing about the Nickel article was the fact that Doug Smith and his family did not build an operation with flash and pomp. What has helped this family prevail is sim(continued on page 14)