October 2022 - American Beef Producer Magazine

BUILD YOUR DREAM HERD

by Derek Sample, Derek@ABPmag.com

Over 1,000 clients in 38 states & 7 countries representing 16,000 + cattle

Driving along the north Wasatch range in southeastern Idaho is definitely en chanting. Ag land is considered to be beautiful all over our country, but driving to Weston through the Cache Valley has a certain magic about it. A relatively narrow lowland surrounded by the climbing mountains spelled out an invitation before me that I accepted with a big smile on my face, while listening to my snoring pups that were plum exhausted from the morning adventures we had in Utah a few hours before. Driving out of California can be a chore, so when we find a local swimming hole and hiking spots to escape for a bit, we are sure to make time as we can. We can always dry ourselves off in the truck, to the

chagrin of the hard workers at a cheap car wash later in the week. As we near our appointment time and follow the named ranch signs to our destination, I’m definitely curious about what it would have been like to grow up in this charm ing valley as a 5th generation farmer only a few miles away from here.

Waiting patiently for our arrival is Seth Christensen, an old soul of 29 years whose genetics program is gaining a lot of attention. As I step out of the truck to greet him, his excitement and generosity are already appar ent as he starts talking shop before I can even think about grabbing my recording device. I’ve learned that this is a good sign, and I will

Photography by Derek Sample

definitely absorb a lot of information today as I’ve come here to do. Seth’s enthusiasm about what he does is very catching, so I’ll be sure to listen intently so I can be sure to remember everything. Luckily I noticed that my DashCam was still recording audio and video, as it so dutifully does, and will for another 15 minutes after the ignition turns off, so I’m saved once again since I can replay some of this conversa tion later.

Seth Christensen was eleven years old when he purchased his first two Holstein bull calves from a neighbor's dairy. Both received iden tical feed and care, and when it came time to sell them, there was a large difference in weight between the two calves. When he asked the neighbor what the difference was, the neighbor told him, "Genetics." So, it’s at this moment that a lifelong interest in genetics was born. Then, it just snowballs from there…

At 15, Seth was a certified and very busy AI technician. At 17, he owned his own small herd of registered Angus cows. At 18, he began using embryo transfer. For the last 11 years, he has used both embryo transfer and artificial insem ination to improve the quality of both his herd and the herds of his clients. Then when he was 22, he graduated with a degree in Economics from Utah State University.

Now as a higher-caliber cattleman, Seth un derstands the impact of quality genetics on the

bottom line of business and strives to tailor fit genetics into each individual cowherd that will best fit their business model and production goals. Sometimes they won’t know exactly what they want, but with clients in 38 states and 7 countries and representing over 16,000 head of cattle, Seth understands how imperative it is to fit the right genetic package to the right ranch. He answers every call and will spend more than enough time with potential customers to mas ter what they are looking for. Then he’ll spend time getting the right fit ready for when they arrive.

Along with his great attitude towards the cattle business, Seth lives cattle, knows cattle, talks cattle, and dreams of cattle. His father and grandfather are die-hard crop farmers, so he’s proud to have built his own cattle enterprise from the ground up. He knew when he was a kid that he was going to raise Angus and work with their genetics to help improve the breed as best as he could. Luckily, he has a large number of private treaty customers that believe that as well. To think that at such a young age, he can support his family of 4 while maintaining his business day in and day out and giving it his full attention.

Seth and Hailey were raised in this valley and purchased their ranch in 2018. One of the great advantages I noticed right away was that his office has a direct view of his herd from up the hill as well as an incredible view of the

Seth Christensen

Cache Valley. Seth is able to use his office to manage the genetics, finance, and marketing of Christensen Genetics thanks to the ranch man ager, Jon LaRue, taking care of the daily work involved with running the cowherd. Seth's wife, Hailey, manages the web design and accounting facets of the company, in addition to raising their two children, Emery and Miles. Jon's wife, Lauren, manages the bull leasing program for the company and takes care of their two kids, Lydia and Shad, as well.

We head down to the cows where we find some new and a little unsteady Angus and Akaushi calves peeking out from behind their mamas, a couple born just this morning. Af ter the cuteness overload dies down a bit, Seth starts telling me about his genetics practice of implanting Akaushi embryos into Angus re ceipient cows and how successful that has been for him. These calves will grow big enough soon and be available via private treaty and will command a strong market price each, which was a pleasant surprise to hear.

Going back to when Seth was in college where he was studying economics and worked in cattle, "people would say you must not have listened very close (laughing). What I did look at was commodity ag, where it's extraordinarily difficult with fairly narrow margins where you can make a penny per each and just hope you have the quantity, or using that same mod el, you can lose a penny per each, and you're working on a massive scale so you're upside down. I looked at it as I have 2 options if I'm

even going to attempt to make a living doing what I love. I can either beat the (snot) out of my input costs and just go massive, which is the commodity ag side, or I've got to find a way to generate more value per head. Not being prof itable is not an option given that I don't work in town, my wife doesn't work in town, and the people that work for me don't work in town. We feed multiple families. I think that's one of the distinct differences is that thus far, and that's not to say I've totally arrived and made it, but I own a ranch, I feed a family, I feed mul tiple other families from just this. I do under stand what will make enough value per head for it to be economically feasible. That's some thing I hope to bring to the table for people that do business with us. They're going to come and buy a cow here and she's not just going to have a big name, she's not just going to have a big set of numbers, but she's going to be economically viable. That's one of the things I really drive home with the folks we do business with. I'm here in their corner to help them realize that return, and that's one of the real differences with a lot of other outfits is they are hard to get hold of when you need to get things done since they own or operate other businesses in town. That helps define my job, and that's that we are economically viable, and so our clients will be as well."

With that said, Seth's year over year client retention is very high and his main goal is to see that it stays that way. Every day he proves that it's all about his client's needs, not his own.

Seth Christensen, Owner 208-589-9988

email: seth@christensengenetics.com web: www.christensengenetics.com

Sale Calendar

1-Oct 2 Bar/ Goode Angus f Hereford, TX

1-Oct Bradley Cattle & Hankins Farms Republic, MO

1-Oct Buckeye’s Finest Zanesville, OH

1-Oct Buffalo Creek Red Angus Wichita Falls, TX

1-Oct Clark Farms f Hustontown, PA

1-Oct Cattlemen's Delight Hereford Black River Falls, WI

1-Oct Colyer Hereford & Angus f Bruneau, ID

1-Oct Crossroads Collaboration Greensburg, IN

1-Oct Greenhorn Cattle Co. Waynesville, OH

1-Oct Horstman Cattle Co West Lafayette, IN

1-Oct JAC’s Ranch Bentonville, AR

1-Oct Journagan Ranch/ MO State U Springfield, MO

1-Oct Keystone Elite Mill Hall, PA

1-Oct Ludvigson Red Angus Cushing, IA

1-Oct Mann Cattle Co Caldwell, TX

1-Oct Point Pleasant Angus Bland, VA

1-Oct Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks Springfield, MO

1-Oct The Breeder’s Classic Gettysburg, PA

1-Oct World Class Angus @ Mindemann Farms Sullivan, WI

2-Oct Badger Southern Select Burlington, WI

2-Oct Cal Poly Bull Test San Luis Obispo, CA

2-Oct DuLynn Farms Berlin, OH

2-Oct Traynham Ranch Fort Klamath, OR

3-Oct Case Ranch Eldorado, TX

3-Oct Express Ranches Yukon, OK

3-Oct Sugarbird Shorthorns (Paris, KY) online

4-Oct Copeland & Sons Hereford f online

4-Oct Fall Harvest Angus (Hartwell, GA) online

4-Oct Knott’s Landing Angus (LaOtto, IN)online

4-Oct Moffitt Angus Farm (Colfax, IA) online

4-Oct Pieper Red Angus Buffalo, TX

5-Oct Cantrell Creek Angus Niangua, MO

5-Oct Double B Angus (Mason, IA) online

5-Oct Halfmann-Beckton Miles, TX

5-Oct McGinn Angus (Johnson City, TN) online

5-Oct Topp Angus f Grace City, ND

6-Oct Bayou Creek Ranch Jacksboro, TX

6-Oct Dudley Bros. Comanche, TX

6-Oct Van Dyke Angus f Manhattan, MT

6-Oct Virginia Tech Leading Ladis online

6-Oct Watkins Cattle Co. Harrison, AR

6-Oct Williams Angus (Gray, TN) online

7-Oct Deer Valley Farms Okeechobee, FL

7-Oct J & N Ranch Leavenworth, KS

7-Oct Mississippi State Jackson, MS

7-Oct McKellar Angus

Mount Pleasant, TX

7-Oct Ozark Farm Festival Springfield, MO

7-Oct Prairie View Farms Gridley, IL

7-Oct Red River Farms Grand Saline, TX

7-Oct Smith Valley Angus Salem, MO

8-Oct Angus Alliance Int'll Carthage, MO

8-Oct Blackjack & Guests f Seminole, OK

8-Oct Boyce-Bonebrake Strafford, MO

8-Oct Byergo Angus Savannah, MO

8-Oct Clemson Edisto Forage Bull Test Blackville, SC

8-Oct Definitely Different Alto, MI

BULLS FOR RENT

Marvin Schultis,

Catcher

"It

and very easy to

the

8-Oct East Central Missouri Angus Assoc Cuba, MO

8-Oct Edisto Research & Education Blackville, SC

8-Oct Evergreen Exclusive Ellensburg, WA

8-Oct EZ Angus Ranch f Porterville, CA

8-Oct Fawcett’s Elm Creek online

8-Oct Judd Ranch Pomona, KS

8-Oct Markota Angus f Lisbon, OH

8-Oct McCloud Farms Jayess, MS

8-Oct Oliver Angus West Point, GA

8-Oct Perks Ranch Rockford, IL

8-Oct Pleasant Hill Farm Rockfield, KY

8-Oct Ponderosa Farms Taylorsville, MS

8-Oct Power Performance Pedigree Mountain Grove, MO

8-Oct Schrag 605 Marion, SD

8-Oct Seldom Rest Farm Niles, MI

8-Oct Silveira Bros. f Firebaugh, CA

8-Oct SoKY Select Gelbvieh Bowling Green, KY

8-Oct Southern Connection Knoxville, TN

8-Oct Star G Ranch & friends Douds, IA

8-Oct Snedden Ranch Maricopa, CA

8-Oct Studer Family Shorthorns Creston, IA

8-Oct Southern Connection Knoxville, TN

8-Oct Texas Angus Assoc. Autumn Classic College Station, TX

8-Oct The Black Label Grandview, TX

8-Oct The New Direction Seward, NE

Calving

Lucas, Stephanie, John, and Owen Niebur N2315 140th Street, Plum City, WI 54761 Lucas cell: 715-307-2229

Sale Calendar

email Tim@ABPmag.com for updates

8-Oct Trinity Farms f Ellensburg, WA

8-Oct Wilder - Lawrence online

9-Oct Butler Farms Inwood, WV

9-Oct Callahan Cattle Co. (Edmond, OK) online

9-Oct Cane Creek Cattle Co. online

9-Oct Curts Cattle CO. & Guests (Pennville, IN) online

9-Oct Dry Creek Farm Pell City, AL

9-Oct Indiana Hereford Assoc. Lebanon, IN

9-Oct K Bar D Ranch f Marietta, OK

9-Oct Purple Reign Cattle Co. Toulon, IL

9-Oct Vintage Angus Ranch f Modesto, CA

10-Oct Bollum Family Shorthorns (Goodhue, MN) online

10-Oct Deanajak Farms online

10-Oct Indian Mound Ranch Canadian, TX

10-Oct Julia Weiker Estate Dispersion Fayette, MO

10-Oct Lazy JB Angus Montrose, CO

10-Oct Ox Bow Angus Select f Wolf Creek, MT

10-Oct Pape Ranch (New Braunfels, TX) online

10-Oct Premier Angus Frozen Genetics Johnson City, TN

11-Oct 9 Peaks Angus Fort Rock, OR

11-Oct Bernard Show Cattle online

11-Oct Bishell/ Nollswood (Mineral Point, WI) online

11-Oct Coleman Angus f Charlo, MT

11-Oct Opp Angus Complete Herd Dispersion Hebron, ND

11-Oct Powell Herefords Ft. McKavett, TX

11-Oct R.A. Brown Ranch Elite Angus f Throckmorton, TX

11-Oct Talon Crest Farms (Winterset, IA) online

11-Oct The Girls on Film online

11-Oct Thompson Herefords online

11-Oct White Rose Charolais – the Lineup online

11-Oct Wilhelm Cattle Belles of the Black Hills online

12-Oct Double Diamond Angus (Chrisman, IL) online

12-Oct Explosive Cattle Company Omaha, AR

12-Oct Harmony Hill Bozeman, MT

12-Oct K & B Herefords Complete Dispersal Onida, SD

12-Oct Montana Ranch f Big Fork, MT

12-Oct R.A. Brown Ranch Throckmorton, TX

12-Oct Storey Hereford Ranch online

12-Oct Taylor View Farms online

12-Oct Valley Oaks Angus Chilhowee, MO

13-Oct Beach Family Shorthorn (Syracuse, NE) online

13-Oct Bieber Fever in the Southeast Swainsboro, GA

13-Oct Dal Porto Livestock (Anselmo, NE) online

13-Oct Grimmel / Schaake online

13-Oct JMAR Genetics & Guests online

13-Oct PAW Livestock (Iowa) online

13-Oct Rader Herefords online

13-Oct WGB Cattle The Ladies in White online

14-Oct Bowling Ranch Newkirk, OK

14-Oct Deer Valley Farms Okeechobee Okeechobee, FL

14-Oct Fink Beef Genetics Randolph, KS

14-Oct Oakdale Farm Rome, GA

14-Oct Schrammel Cattle Co. Stillwater, OK

14-Oct The Rockies to the Pacific Gelbvieh online

15-Oct 3C Cattle Co. Carrollton, MO

15-Oct Angell-Thomas Charolais Paris, MO

15-Oct Aschermann Charolais Carthage, MO

f = female sale

15-Oct Bradley Cattle Springfield, MO

15-Oct Buck Cattle Co. Madill, OK 15-Oct Byergo Angus Savannah, MO

15-Oct Cannon Charolais Ranch Newton, IA

15-Oct Dixie Farms @ Red River Livestock Coushatta, LA 15-Oct Fred Smith Company Ranch Clayton, NC 15-Oct Fink Beef Genetics Randolph, KS 15-Oct Gerloff Farms Bland, MO

15-Oct Great Meadows Angus Assoc. Campbellsburg, KY 15-Oct Haught Farms Harrisville, WV 15-Oct Heart of the Ozarks Angus West Plains, MO 15-Oct Heart Of The Prairie Rush Springs, OK 15-Oct IBEP PT Bedford, IN 15-Oct Keystone Autumn Klassic Waynesburg, PA 15-Oct Lambert Ranch Oroville, CA 15-Oct Martens Angus Bellevue, IA 15-Oct McWherter Volunteer Farm Dresden, TN 15-Oct Paul Gelbvieh Exeter, MO 15-Oct Pembrook Cattle Co. Fairview, OK 15-Oct Rogers Bar HR Collins, MS 15-Oct Rolling B Ranches Yatesville, GA 15-Oct Schrammel Cattle Co. online 15-Oct Seedstock Plus Carthage, MO 15-Oct Thomas & Sons online 15-Oct Top Notch Angus Wheeler, TX 15-Oct Whitestone Farm Aldie, VA 16-Oct Adcock Cattle / Crum Cattle online 16-Oct Bedwell Cattle Co. Isabella, OK 16-Oct Brumley Farms Ranch online 16-Oct Express Ranches Hereford Event Yukon, OK 16-Oct Frank/ Hazelrigg Angus Fulton, MO 16-Oct Niobrara Red Angus Niobrara, NE 16-Oct Nowatzke Angus Michigan City, IN 16-Oct Reynolds Herefords Huntsville, MO 16-Oct Six Mile Creek/ Curry Herefords El Reno, OK 16-Oct Niobrara Red Angus Niobrara, NE 16-Oct Wisconsin Simmental Fall Round Up Fennimore, WI 17-Oct Coudron Charolais (Gibbon, MN) online 17-Oct Delaney Herefords/ Atkins online 17-Oct Evans Farms Proctor, TX 17-Oct Hinkle’s Prime Cut Nevada, MO 17-Oct Maryland Hereford Association online 17-Oct Vision Angus (Amherst, CO) online

17-Oct Wallace Cattle CO. (Stotts City, MO) online 17-Oct White Hawk Ranch Buchanan, GA 18-Oct Audley Farm (Berryville, VA) online

18-Oct Paquette Hereford Ranch f online

19-Oct Grand Hills Cattle online

19-Oct Lone Star Angus Gainesville, TX 19-Oct Northern International Livestock Expo Billings, MT 19-Oct Thomas Charolais Raymondville, TX 20-Oct Jensen Bros. Louisburg, KS 20-Oct Kirkes Black Angus Talahina, OK 20-Oct Ladies of the Beartooth Billings, MT 20-Oct Thomas Angus Ranch Baker City, OR 20-Oct Wilks Ranch Eastland, TX 21-Oct Groendyke Ranch Nash, OK

Sale Calendar

21-Oct L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Lyons, GA

21-Oct Meadows Creek Farm Arcadia, FL

21-Oct Myers Angus/ Tamme Valley Harrodsburg, KY

21-Oct NILE Red Angus Billings, MT

21-Oct Royal Collection Charolais Kansas City, MO

21-Oct Thistledew Cattle f dispersion Joliet, MT

21-Oct Three Hills Ranch Kirksville, MO

21-Oct W4 Ranch Morgan, TX

21-Oct Wooden Shoe Farms Blackfoot, ID

22-Oct 44 Farms Cameron, TX

22-Oct Brownlee Mountain Farms Calhoun, GA

22-Oct Clearwater Simmentals Milan, IN

22-Oct Coal Valley Angus Cherokee, OK

22-Oct Decades of Excellence Unionville, TN

22-Oct Debter Hereford Farm Horton, AL

22-Oct Double G Farms Rush Springs, OK

22-Oct Flat Creek Farms Shelbyville, TN

22-Oct Indiana Angus Elite Harvest Spencer, IN

22-Oct Jamison & Jamison Beggs, OK

22-Oct L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms Lyons, GA

22-Oct Lacy’s Red Angus & Polled Hereford Drexel, MO

22-Oct Ladies of the Royal Kansas City, MO

22-Oct Linhart Limousin Leon, IA

22-Oct Little Creek Cattle Starksville, MS

22-Oct Lynn Creek Farm Winchester, KY

22-Oct Mead Farms Versailles, MO

22-Oct MN Beef Expo St. Paul, MN

22-Oct New Day Genetics Salem, MO

22-Oct NILE Angus f Billings, MT

22-Oct Pennsylvania Fall Classic Waynesburg, PA

22-Oct Pieper Red Angus Hay Springs, NE

22-Oct Scioto Valley Angus complete disp. McArthur, OH

22-Oct Triple C Angus f Bruceton Mill, WV

22-Oct Tullyfergus Angus Lyons, NY

23-Oct Heritage Farms Shelbyville, KY

23-Oct High Ridge Farms Albermarle, NC

23-Oct MO Angus Ladies of Autumn Lebanon, MO

23-Oct The Source Sessions Invitational Paso Robles, CA

23-Oct Tri-K Cattle Company Bloomfield, IA

24-Oct American Made (Maxwell, NM) online

24-Oct Edgewood Angus (West Point, VA) online

24-Oct Montana Angus F bonanza Billings, MT

24-Oct Oak Hollow Smiths Grove, KY

24-Oct Stone Gate Farms Flemingsburg, KY

24-Oct Tennessee River Music Fort Payne, AL

25-Oct BJR Summerford Charolais online

25-Oct BSG (Greens Fork, IN) online

25-Oct Hoover Angus (Ellston, IA) online

25-Oct KLS Farms online

25-Oct Perez Cattle Co. Columbus, TX

25-Oct Quest For The Best online

25-Oct Zepp's Country Acres New Windsor, MO

26-Oct Bowman Superior Genetics Green Forks, IN

26-Oct Cox Ranch Peaster, TX

26-Oct Hoffman Ranch online

26-Oct Micheli Ranch Fort Bridger, WY

26-Oct Morgan Ranch Burwell, NE

26-Oct RRR/Dixie Valley Isabel & Deadwood Maxwell, NM

•

by John McDonald

highway at

• Fits through any gate your

• Stable

• Permanent sheeted adjustable

• Transport wheels are permanent, no sliding off the axles and rolling out of the way.

• Wheels on each panel and electric over hydraulic jack eliminates lifting— saves time.

• Frame gates for sorting.

Sale Calendar

26-Oct Texas Hereford Fall Classic Buffalo, TX

26-Oct Valley Creek Ranch Valley Girls online

27-Oct Rom’N Limousin online

27-Oct ST Genetics (Navasota, TX) online

28-Oct Birch Creek Angus Ruby Valley, NV

28-Oct CK Cattle Headquarters Hope Hull AL

28-Oct Groendyke Commercial f Nash, OK

28-Oct Hokie Harvest @ Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

28-Oct Spur Ranch Vinita, OK

28-Oct T Bar S Billings, MO

28-Oct Virginia Tech Hokie Harvest Blacksburg, VA

28-Oct Yon Family Farms Ridge Spring, SC

29-Oct 7P Ranch Winona, TX

29-Oct 12 Star Ranch Amite, LA

29-Oct Angus Breeders of Texas Canton, TX

29-Oct Appalachian Elite Gray, TN

29-Oct Bar J Farm PT Bulls Gap, TN

29-Oct Beckman Land & Livestock Idaho Falls, ID

29-Oct C-4 Land & Cattle Perkins, OK

29-Oct Cattlemen's Preferred Sale Harrison, AR

29-Oct Chain Ranch Canton, OK

29-Oct Chimney Butte Ranch Mandan, ND

29-Oct DaKitch Angus & Hereford Farms online

29-Oct Fox Hollow Farms Hulbert, OK

29-Oct Hasty Rocky Hill Farms Gelbvieh Lebanon, KY

29-Oct Ludvigson Stock Farms Shepherd, MT

29-Oct Midwest Beef Cattle Consultants Carthage, IN

29-Oct Plyer & Son Charolais Mangolia, AR 29-Oct Red Dirt Roundup Canton, OK 29-Oct Red Hill Farms Lafayette, TN 29-Oct Schroeder Angus (Clarence, IA) online 29-Oct Sexton Genetics Muskogee, OK 29-Oct South Texas Hereford Assoc. Beeville, TX 29-Oct Wall Street Angus Lebanon, MO 29-Oct Ward Bros. Plattsburg, MO 29-Oct Wild Indian Acres Cuba, MO 30-Oct Cattlemen’s Preferred Harrison, AR 30-Oct Four Sons Cynthiana, KY 30-Oct Hartwig Herefords Dispersal Lincoln, IL 30-Oct Nansel’s Flying N Ranch f disp. Miles City, MT 30-Oct P Bar S Ranch Sand Springs, OK 30-Oct Teets Cattle Mountain Classic Lost River, WV 30-Oct TK Cattle Co. online 31-Oct Keller Cattle Co. Saint Paul, NE

31-Oct Southwest Missouri PT Springfield, MO 31-Oct Stone Gate Farms Flemingsburg, KY 31-Oct Tennessee River Music Fort Payne, AL

1-Nov Blue Lake Cattle (Lexington, KY) online

1-Nov Boyle Ranch Washta, IA

1-Nov Davis Ranches online 1-Nov Dybdal Charolais online

1-Nov ECP Cattle online 1-Nov HFS Angus (Radnor, OH) online

1-Nov KL Lemmon Cattle Co. online online Grand Island, NE online Stratford, WI Roggen, CO Lineville, AL online

Deer Park, FL Elk City, KS Warden, WA Wamego, KS Eau Claire, WI Momroe, WI Hayneville, AL White City, KS Curryville, MO Kearney, NE Plymouth, IN

Salt Lake City, UT Manchester, IL Butler, MO Washington, GA Savannah, TN Pikeville, TN Reidsville, GA Mason, OH Salisbury, MO Manhattan, KS Holloway, MN Harrod, OH

Sale Calendar

email Tim@ABPmag.com for updates

5-Nov Jungles Shorthorns Kathryn, ND

5-Nov Locust Level Farms Vernon Hill, VA

5-Nov Markota Angus f Lisbon, OH

5-Nov MC Livestock Greenville, VA

5-Nov MO Simmental Association Springfield, MO

5-Nov Moser Ranch Wheaton, KS

5-Nov Mystic Hill Farms Culpeper, VA

5-Nov Ragged Edge Angus Kingston, OK

5-Nov Red Tie Event Tina, MO

5-Nov Schott Dispersal Mobridge, SD

5-Nov Seedstock Plus Osceola, MO

5-Nov Southern Cattle Co. Marianna, FL

5-Nov Star Creek Ranch Durant, OK

5-Nov Tanner Farms Shuqualak, MS

5-Nov The Fall Bull Sale Letohatchee, AL

5-Nov The Red Tie Event Tina, MO

5-Nov The Wright Charolais Kearney, MO

5-Nov TJB Gelbvieh Chickamauga, GA

5-Nov Worthington Angus Dadeville, MO

6-Nov Barnes Herefords Cedartown, GA

6-Nov DJS Shorthorn

6-Nov Triangle J

6-Nov Zimmerman Cattle Co

7-Nov Boyle Ranch Fleckvieh

7-Nov Christensen Genetics

7-Nov Mohican West

7-Nov P&R Herefords

7-Nov Sandmeier Charolais

8-Nov Wilks Ranch

9-Nov Barber Ranch

9-Nov Dynamic Z Charolais

9-Nov Deadwood/ Isabel Y69

9-Nov Edwards Limousin

9-Nov Heart K Ranch

10-Nov Auxiliary Full Circle (St. Joseph, MO) online

10-Nov Bieber Fever

10-Nov Circle G Ranches

10-Nov Smoky Y Sale

10-Nov Sonderup Charolais Ranch

10-Nov ZWT Ranch

11-Nov Butz – Hill f

11-Nov Double Creek Farms

11-Nov Ingram Angus

11-Nov KLS Farms

11-Nov Mid-Ohio Valley Cattlemen’s Select

12-Nov AL Angus Assoc.

12-Nov Big League Genetics Vol.4

12-Nov Capitol Angus

12-Nov Deer Valley Farm

12-Nov Friendship Farms

12-Nov Gibbs Farms

12-Nov HD Dunn Tetonia, ID

12-Nov Lane Angus Farms Rocky Mount, NC

12-Nov Leachman COC Fort Collins, CO

12-Nov Lesikar Angus Athens, TX

12-Nov Little Belt Classic Hobson, MT

12-Nov MCM Polled Herefords online

12-Nov Mid-Atlantic Fall Bonanza Harrisonburg, VA

12-Nov Montana Ranch Bigfork, MT

12-Nov OK Commercial Angus f Holdenville, OK

12-Oct Oklahoma Bull Sale McAlester, OK

12-Nov QPB / Greeneline Angus Mt. Hermon, LA

12-Nov Reds On The Prairie/ Great Northern Brookings, SD

12-Nov Rock Solid Reds Albany, WI

12-Nov Rocky Mountain Angus Tremonton, UT

12-Nov Smith Registered Angus Berryville, AR

12-Nov South Dakota Hereford Assoc. Brookings, SD

12-Nov Thomas Farms Leslie, AR

12-Nov Valley Oaks f Oak Grove, MO

13-Nov Banks Polled Herefords Ada, OK

13-Nov Greenhorn Cattle Co. Louisville, KY

13-Nov Pearls of the Prairie Angus Mandan, ND

13-Nov Hawkeye Breeders Bloomfield, IA

14-Nov Gartner – Denowh Bar JV Angus Sidney, MT

14-Nov Hoffman Ranch Thedford, NE

14-Nov Premier Angus Frozen Genetics Johnson City, TN

14-Nov Cannon Valley Ranch f Goodhue, MN

15-Nov 6 Pastures Angus & Guests Winchester, VA

15-Nov B&D Angus & Hereford Claflin, KS

15-Nov Elliott Livestock Clifford, ND

15-Nov Harvie Ranching online

Twenty Two for 2022

Reba Y. Mazak

President, American National Cattlewomen, Inc.

www.ANCW.org Ancw@ancw.org

AmericanCW

1. Tell us about what you do

I am a 5th generation cattle producer in the state of Florida. Yes, I said Florida! Florida celebrated 500 years of cattle in the state last year. We’ve had a very successful campaign promoting the beef industry here in Florida. We (my family) run a cow/calf operation near central Florida and are a diverse operation that includes a wedding venue and a lime rock mine. I am also honored to be President of the American National CattleWomen this year. We’re cel ebrating 70 years of organization this year and we are the voice of women in the cattle business. American National CattleWomen share their passion for the industry as well as the values and heritage we all so appreciate. We’re here to empower women and give them the tools to be a viable part of their operation as well as their community. ANCW strives to educate and promote the beef industry as well as participate in legislation that truly affects our lives. We

need to take an active role in all of these platforms for the sustainability of our industry. ANCW has many programs to enhance our leaders of tomorrow with programs that offer scholarships and internships with mentors in our in dustry. We feel it is imperative that we lead by example. My hashtag for this year has been #gitupinancw, I know there is a place in our organization for everyone and I want us to all find it. We need to continue to advocate for the cattle business as well as the entire agriculture community.

2. Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a ranch in Central Florida in the town of Geneva, and I am the youngest of 4 children. I was raised in a loving hard-working Christian family that took the time to sit around the dinner table together. We also lived near family members and would gather at the end of the day to hear about how the work on the ranch went or may be about the work in the orange groves. Community was a big part of our lives, and it instilled morals and values that so many ranch-raised kids experience. As an adult, you appreciate those lessons learned at that age.

3. Introduce us to your family at the ranch.

My late husband Paul and I have two daughters, Rebec ca and Audra. When we were raising the girls, we were

Twenty Two for 2022

also building our property holdings and making a living working away from the ranch. So, this meant that we would work our cattle on the weekend, when it was family time. We taught the girls from a very young age to work and work hard, and they will have something one day. We spent many hours in the pens, building fence and mow ing as a family. Paul and one girl on a tractor, and myself and the other daughter bringing lunch when possible. Sadly, we lost Paul suddenly in 2009 and the girls were young adults. We have been blessed with faith, family, and friends to help us move forward and continue living. Today our cow crew is a few good friends that help on gathering day, but for the most part it's all daughters, sons in-laws, and grandsons. Teaching the next generation to love the land and the way of life is very important to us. We are a 5th, 6th, and 7th generation ranching family and I want to spend as much time teaching by example to the future.

4. How long have you been a member of the American National Cattlewomen?

I’ve been an American National CowBelle/CattleWom en since I was a teenager. My mom saw the value in being a member of the Local State and National CowBelle/ CattleWomen. As a family, we would attend meetings and

then promote Beef throughout the community in schools, parades, and grocery stores to name a few. The history of American National CattleWomen is incredible and we are proud to celebrate 70 years of organization this year. As president, I am given the honor to represent American Na tional CattleWomen in the different states and be given time at the podium. It is such a blessing to speak not only about our organization, but also about the industry and what it means to myself and my family. I have a great presidential sponsorship that has helped me these last two years travel and enhance our programs for the members. Multimin USA is a firm believer in our organization and has been encour aging to not only myself, but to our membership and the beef industry.

5. Describe your Association. What are the advantages of belonging?

I belong to the American National CattleWomen as well as many other associations I believe in. American National CattleWomen serves as a voice of the women in the in dustry, and has a platform of education, promotion, and legislation. We work hard to educate the consumers and the

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producers about the great importance of beef in their everyday life. Whether it is giving them nutritious in formation, or telling them our personal stories from the ranch. As women in the industry, we work in all aspects of the ranch, from bookkeeper to lunch maker, from calf pusher to shot giver. Believe it or not, ANCW has a program that is just for women that teaches all of these things and more. It’s called WIRED (Women In Ranch ing Education Development). Look on our website (ancw.org) for more information on this program and when it is coming to a town near you. Promotion comes easy to our membership as well through classroom visits, cooking at events, and serving as spokespersons. We participate in legislation by visiting Washington D.C. as well as correspondence with our elected officials. ANCW stays informed and engaged with legislation, as we know how powerful they are and the effect they have on our day-to-day lives. We are a grassroots organiza tion, and each member has a voice, we appreciate the membership and all they bring to us. Many organiza tions have opportunities to work with corporations and sponsors that believe in your mission. ANCW is blessed to have many of these and we appreciate their support. Multimin USA has been my sponsor for the last two years and I appreciate their enthusiasm to promote not only women in agriculture, but the beef industry.

6. We strongly support women in this industry, what advice do you have for them?

Congratulations! If this is your passion, go for it. Women make up over 36% of the managerial positions on farms and ranches today. It takes confidence and work ethic to be in these positions and be a leader. Look for mentors, ask questions, take notes, and partic ipate from the front row. All levels of business have chal lenges, especially ranching which deals with challenges

that are out of our control. (i.e. mother nature, pricing). You have to face these challenges and accept them as part of your job. Spend time with someone you admire in the industry, those times will be priceless.

7. What’s been your biggest challenge, and how did you over come it?

There have been two, capital and my husband’s passing. The first would be the fact that Paul and I married young and didn’t have any credit built up or much savings as we were only eighteen and twenty years old. We had already been working hard for our future but hadn’t had much time to save money. A wonderful couple that lived in Clermont, Florida saw the determination and work ethic that Paul and I both demonstrated, and they took a chance on us. The owner financed land for us and our first group of cattle. Without the Thompsons, we wouldn’t have had such a great start in our marriage or our cattle business. My husband Paul passed suddenly in 2009 and the trajectory of my family’s life changed. Paul was the head of our household as well as our lives and now we had to press on without him. I (we ) truly had been taught independence through our years together and now it was time for me to lead our family. I had many doubts about my ability to carry on the path that we had set for our family, but with faith, family and friends we were able to do so. Our ranch has grown in acreage, as well as cattle and our family has gone from two daughters to add two sonin-laws and four grandsons. Our lives have been so blessed and we continue to bless others. The Golden Rule, Do unto Others as you would have them do unto You.

8. What was your first real job?

I worked for the county tax collector. I was born and raised in Seminole County Florida and if you were not in a farming or ranching business, you were a schoolteacher or you worked for the county. The county seat was 13 miles from our home and one of the closest towns. My dad served as a County Commissioner and my grandmother worked in

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the Property Appraisers office, so it wasn’t hard to get a job there. It was very interesting to come from a ranch and be used to looking at maps, and then to see how the cities were broken up and roads everywhere. It truly was like the country mouse coming to the city.

9. What breed(s) do you raise/manage and why? We run commercial cattle here on our ranch in Sumter County, with a heavy influence of Brahman. We are in a very humid, usually wet part of Florida and Brahman-in fluenced cattle do well. We also have a registered herd of Brahman cattle. We use this herd for replacement heifers in our commercial herd. That way we have records of their fertility as well as body conditions and temperament. Being raised on a ranch that the ancestors remember open range well, we appreciate a cow that just won’t load up in anybody’s trailer. We still work cattle on horseback and with dogs. We have a lot of acreage that is wooded, and it still is the best way to work cattle for us. I grew up riding, we raised our girls to ride and help at a young age and I’m keeping a watchful eye over my grandsons that are learning as well. It’s a very important part of our heritage and our family history and I want to preserve it the best I can and share it at every turn. Especially with my own family so those times don’t get forgotten. I have participat ed in many programs and herd health seminars to make sure that we are doing the best job on our ranch for not only the cattle but the land too. I am BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) certified, MBA (Masters of Beef Advocacy), and completed the ANCW leadership program. We im plement a herd health program that is recommended by our veterinarian that includes vaccinations, wormers, and Multimin. Being true stewards of the land and cattle is a blessing we take seriously.

10. What do you think about today’s cattle industry?

It has sure changed just in the thirty-five years I’ve been paying attention. There are so many new ways to help the industry, even though the challenges have increased as well. We have many concerns with cattle pricing and gov ernment overreach, we need to be diligent in our thought and intentions as well as the people we vote into office! All of these have an impact on our ranches no matter the size. We must stay involved if we want our lands to be truly in control of the stewards. I believe now more than ever it is important for EVERYONE to be an advocate.

11. So many ranches have closed in the last 20 years, what can we do to keep today’s cattlemen in business?

Participate and advocate for things that directly affect your operation. We can no longer think that someone will

take care of that for us, or that we don’t need to be active. Your voice as a member or a hand on person has the great est impact. Not only the information that organizations can pass along to you but the value in numbers speaks volumes when you are addressing an issue.

12. What would you tell the politicians in Washington if you they could hear you?

Come take a walk with me. Come see how we (cattle producers) spend our days and nights working to sup ply the nation with the most nutritious protein, Beef. As landowners and agriculturists, we have experience in the day-to-day workings of our own operations. What you see from 30,000 feet is just not the same. The decisions you are making or letting other people make for you are detrimen tal to not only our generation but the generations to come. Please meet the people affected by your decisions, it is the trickle-down effect and we need you as our elected officials to know what is happening in rural America.

13. How can local governments do better regarding the cattle industry?

Make site visits, meet the local rancher and farmers and

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see the true impact of what is happening in your area. As cattle producers, it is our responsibility to seek out these government people and let them know how what they are doing impacts us. Here in Florida, we are facing such a challenge with development. Our green spac es are quickly vanishing with over 1,000 people a day moving to Florida. As a family, we have actively been involved in local, state, and federal visits for over 30 years. We understand the value of a relationship with our elected officials and want to make sure they know the economic impact we have as well as environmen tal. Agricultural people are not the best at telling our stories to others. We are happy in our comfort zone and don’t usually vary from it, but it is necessary to let our peers know the value of our industry. Through industry associations, we can lobby for our interests, and it is im portant that even if you can’t take the time to leave your farm or ranch, many associations have lobbyists that are speaking up for you. (ancw.org)

14. Favorite cut of beef and how do you like it cooked?

That would be the Rib Eye and I enjoy it cooked me dium, over an open flame with great friends and family.

15. What industry organizations do you support?

I am a proud member of my local, state, and national organization for cattle and farming in Florida and Texas. American National CattleWomen, National Cattlemens Beef Association, and American Farm Bureau.

16. Tell us about any mentor(s) you’ve had along the way.

I have been so blessed with a family that has been involved in every aspect of the cattle industry for generations. My mother (Imogene Yarborough) would have to be the most influential person to me. I grew up watching my parents and grandmother give back to the community and be involved in every aspect. My mom served in many leadership roles and set a great example for me and many others. Her involvement in different organizations has led many wonderful ladies to mentor me along the way. Being raised with a positive attitude and given self-confidence along the way is priceless.

I am very appreciative of so many ladies who have worked so hard in our industry to make sure there is a next generation of leaders, as well as the organizations to promote them.

17. What do you do to get away from it all?

Checking in on the cattle and riding through them is something that really calms me. It reminds me of my family and all that they have done to get us to where we are today and makes me just want to smile. I enjoy

hunting and fishing. We are true lovers of everything outdoors. When we vacation, it is doing one of those three things: cattle, hunting, or fishing.

18. Ford, Chevy, Dodge?

Ford, we have had a wonderful relationship with the dealership for about 20 years. The first truck we bought from them was truly on a handshake. I have found one of the best things to surround yourself with is good peo ple, and I think we as a family continue to do just that.

19. What are your thoughts on global warming?

As cattle producers we continue to work diligently to soften the impact agriculture has on our nation. With the help of so much new technology we are able to im prove on genetics, nutrition and quality grazing ensur ing that we as an industry will continue to be a part of the nation's viable food chain.

20. What’s left on your bucket list?

To watch my family, grow and succeed. We faced many challenges together when we lost my husband at such a young age, and I want to see the girls and their boys do great things and not miss out on any of it.

21. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Still working on the ranch (at will) but watching the next generation making decisions that are best for our family and the livelihood that we love. Over the last ten years, there have been so many changes in the world, I can only imagine what the next ten will bring also. I look forward to the generations to come to be able to really make the most of all of our green space, and by that, I mean using the right tools that are getting more readily available to us through technology and science. As bad as it is to say, I’m from the old school and don’t always embrace new ways.

22. What advice do you have for young, up-and-coming ranchers?

Thank you. Thank you for wanting to be in the ranch ing business. You will need to keep your mind on what you’re doing and seek out every opportunity to gain knowledge from others. Especially those that have expe rience, we are a small percentage of the world, but such an essential part. Seek out mentors, they can help you in more ways than you will realize. The days will be long and so will the nights, but it will all be worth it. Agricul ture has a way of paying you back for the care you give to the land. Look to the organizations that are doing things you can get behind. Members are important, and they need you as much as you need them.

Did you figure why there were two questions numbered 21 last month? We'll give you a hint, the guest was 21 Angus.

A Shared Passion A Shared Voice

The American National CattleWomen is celebrating 70 years of being the premiere voice for women who share a passion for the beef community with a focus on Beef Promotion, Education, and Legislation.

Membership includes:

Educational Development

Hands-On Trainings

Leadership Development Promotion Opportunities

Policy Updates

Fellowship More+

Sign up today to become a part of a 70 year legacy of outstanding CattleWomen! Go to ancw.org or follow us on social media for more information.

Sale Calendar

Tim@ABPmag.com

15-Nov Reminisce Angus Dillon, MT

15-Nov Richardson Cattle Co (Cisco, TX) online

16-Nov Arnold Kattle Co. (Coon Rapids, IA) online

16-Nov Spickler Ranch North Glenfield, ND

16-Nov TC Ranch Franklin, NE

17-Nov Benoit Angus Ranch Esbon, KS

17-Nov JR Ranch Othello, WA

17-Nov K2 Red Angus Wheatland, WY

17-Nov Kiesewetter Angus (Farmington, IL) online

17-Nov Largent & Sons Kaycee, WY

17-Nov Myron Ruft Ckarolais Dispersal Mankato, KS

17-Nov Roseda Black Angus Farm Monkton, MD

17-Nov Wilder Family online

18-Nov Bear Creek Farms f Leonard, TX

18-Nov Green Mountain Angus Ranch Ryegate, MT

18-Nov NE Hereford Assoc. Burwell, NE

18-Nov OK Select Comm. f Vinita, OK

18-Nov Quaker Hill Louisa, VA

18-Nov Wagonhammer f Bartlett, NE

18-Nov Warner Beef Genetics Arapahoe, NE

19-Nov Amdahl Angus & Hereford Rapid City, SD

19-Nov Baldridge/ Tiedeman & Friends North Platte, NE

19-Nov Bear Creek Farms Leonard, TX

19-Nov Breeders Alliance Sidell, IL

19-Nov Butler Creek Farms online

19-Nov Dalebanks Ranch Eureka, KS

19-Nov Ginger Hill Angus Culpeper, VA

19-Nov Heart Of Missouri Limousin Lebanon, MO

19-Nov Hollow Top Angus Ramsay, MT

19-Nov Marda Angus/ Spring Creeks Lodi, WI

19-Nov MG/ 4M Farms PT Woodville, MS

19-Nov MM Cattle/ Callaway Cattle Hogansville, GA

19-Nov Mountain View Ranch Morristown, TN

19-Nov MS Red Angus Fall Classic Raymond, MS

19-Nov NE AR Angus Assoc. Charolette, NC

19-Nov Next Step Cattle Co. Livingston, AL 19-Nov Norman/ Ripberger Sidell, IL 19-Nov Northeast Arkansas Angus Charlotte, AR 19-Nov Redland Angus Buffalo, WY 19-Nov Rudow Family Cattle Pana, IL 19-Nov Shelton, Dogwood Gretna, VA 19-Nov Sonderup Charolais Ranch Fullerton, NE 19-Nov Southeast Bull Expo Asheboro, NC 19-Nov Stanley Martins Farm’s Decorah, IA 19-Nov Sydenstricker Genetics Mexico, MO 19-Nov TLC/ Sugar Top Angus Jerome, ID 20-Nov All American Angus Cheyenne, WY 20-Nov Bear Mountain Angus f Palisade, NE 20-Nov Farner Stock Farms Royal Center, IN 20-Nov Heart Of America Hereford Assoc. Shelbyville, IL 20-Nov Janssen Angus Earlham, IA 20-Nov MN Simmental Association Cannon Falls, MN 20-Nov Rennert Ranch/ Heart-J Char-Lay Kearney, NE

21-Nov Bichler Simmentals Linton, ND

21-Nov Connealy Angus Whitman, NE 21-Nov Dandy Acres Pipestone, MN 21-Nov Kraus Angus Dyersburg, TN 21-Nov Lautenschlager & Sons Othello, WA 22-Nov Cross Creek Farm online 22-Nov Paint Rock Angus Hyattville, WY

Sale Calendar

email Tim@ABPmag.com for updates

25-Nov Corner Stone Genetics (Raymond, OH) online

25-Nov J.J. Scheckel (Bellevue, IA) online

25-Nov Paulsen Cattle Dixon, IL

25-Nov Pratt Cattle Co. Atkins, VA

26-Nov Able Acres Wingate, IN

26-Nov Boys From The South Lebanon, TN

26-Nov Breeding for the Future Rockfield, KY

26-Nov Caves Show Cattle Doudas, IA

26-Nov Dameron Angus Lexington, IL

26-Nov Felt Farms West Point, NE

26-Nov Galaxy Beef Macon, MO

26-Nov O’Neill Angus Logan IA

26-Nov Route 66 online

26-Nov Rutledge Farms Farmer City, IL

26-Nov Stavick Simmental Veblen, SD

26-Nov Trennepohl Farms Middletown, IN

26-Nov Vermillion Ranch Billings, MT

27-Nov Grimmel / Schaake online

27-Nov Siebring Angus Gilman, IL

28-Nov Boyce-Dill online

28-Nov Cardinal Creek Cattle Co. online

28-Nov Profit Proven Commercial f Ashland, KS

28-Nov Stevenson’s Diamond Dot Hobson, MT

29-Nov BSG (Greens Fork, IN) online

29-Nov Butz-Hill f Ames, IA

29-Nov Stevenson’s Angus Hobson, MT

29-Nov Warner Beef Genetics Arapahoe, NE

29-Nov Western Video Sale Silver Legacy Reno, NV

30-Nov Beef Country Breeders Columbus, MT

1-Dec 44 Farms (Cameron, TX) online

1-Dec KY Hereford Assoc. Stanford, KY

1-Dec MN Hereford Assoc. Feeder Calf Pipestone, MN

1-Dec Prairie Hills Gelbvieh online

1-Dec Sitz Angus Ranch Harrison, MT

2-Dec Calhoun Bull Test Calhoun, GA

2-Dec Frederickson Ranch/ Pyramid Beef Spearfish, SD

2-Dec Harmon Ranch Lavina, MT

2-Dec It’s All Black & White Montgomery, AL

2-Dec KG Ranch Three Forks, MT

2-Dec Knoll Crest Farm Red House, VA

2-Dec Lone Star Angus Alliance Halletsville, TX

2-Dec Meadows Creek Farm Montgomery, AL

2-Dec SERAA Fall sale Perry, GA

2-Dec Schurrtop Ranch McCook, NE

3-Dec 2 Bar C Ranch Luling, TX

3-Dec 44 Farms Abilene Abilene, TX

3-Dec Arkansas Angus Assoc. Success Ozark, AL

3-Dec Country Christmas @ Nashville Nashville, TN

3-Dec Currant Creek Roundup, MT

3-Dec Hilbrands Cattle Co. Clara City, MN

3-Dec Kansas Angus Assoc comm. f Pratt, KS

3-Dec Kentucky Hereford Assoc. Lexington, KY

3-Dec Lonesome River Ranch Anselmo, NE

3-Dec Markota Angus f Lisbon, OH

3-Dec Pied Piper Farms Industry, TX

3-Dec Pounds & Profit Asheboro, NC

3- Dec Pyramid Beef Spearfish, SD

3-Dec Ranchers Choice Nixon, TX

3-Dec Reverse Rocking R Maxwell, NM

3-Dec Ridder Farms Hermann, MO

3-Dec SERAA Harvest Belles of the Fall Perry, GA

3-Dec Sonstegard Cattle Co. Montevideo, MN

3-Dec Sundling/ Lane comm. f Three Forks, MT

3-Dec The Pounds & Profit Asheboro, NC

3-Dec Tom Brothers Ranch PT (opening day) Campbellton, TX

3-Dec Top Notch @ Lawler farm Opelika, AL

3-Dec Union County Bull Test Monroe, NC

3-Dec Uwharrie Ridge Farms Snow Camp, NC

3-Dec Waynesville Bull Test Canton, NC

3-Dec Western Choice Simmental Billings, MT

4-Dec Midwest Connection Angus Bloomfield, IA

4-Dec Missouri Hereford Assoc. Sedalia, MO

5-Dec Burns Farms Frozen Opportunity Pikeville, TN

5-Dec Indreland Angus Big Timber, MT

5-Dec National Finals Angus Las Vegas, NV

5-Dec OK Angus Feeder calf Oklahoma City, OK

5-Dec Sadler Ranches Perkins, OK

5-Dec TK Angus Valentine, NE

6-Dec Blue Ribbon comm stock & replacemnt Billings, MT

6-Dec ZumBrunnen Angus Lusk, WY

7-Dec Big Sky Elite Female Sale Logan, MT

7-Dec Big Bend Ranch Keosauqua, IA

7-Dec Goehring Herefords Keosauqua, IA

8-Dec Giefer Ranch

WaKeeny, KS

8-Dec Glasoe Angus f Williston, ND

8-Dec Kentucky Hereford Assoc. Feeder calf Stanford, KY

8-Dec The Berry’s Cheyenne, WY

8-Dec ZumBrunnen Angus Lusk, WY

9-Dec Bowman Cattle Gering, NE

10-Dec A Night On The Town Las Vegas, NV

10-Dec Alabama BCIA @ Cullman Stockyards Cullman, AL

10-Dec Bradley 3 Ranch Weimar, TX

10-Dec Cardinal Cattle Co. Wyoming, IL

10-Dec Cowboy Logic Talmo, GA

10-Dec Dieckmann Cattle Co. Greensburg, IN

10-Dec Gaugler Angus Judith Gap, MT

10-Dec Key Ranch Miller, NE

10-Dec MN Hereford Assoc Go-pher Purple Hutchinson, MN

10-Dec ND Red Select Mandan, ND

10-Dec ND Simmental Association Mandan, ND

CANNON VALLEY RANCH

GOODHUE, MN

by Tim McCray Tim@ABPmag.com

PREMIUM BEEF

Honestly, I’ve started and restarted this story 100 times in my head, and even a few times on “paper”. Some would call it writer’s block, but that would insinuate I’m worthy of that title. To be really honest, Derek was the one who suggested it, and it seemed like a good tie in with a story he was work ing on. So while he was in Idaho visiting a ranch and working on an article about Wagyu, I was vis iting Cannon Valley Ranch in Goodhue, MN doing the same thing.

Cannon Valley Ranch (CVR) is well known for its Angus herd. So I was a bit surprised to hear Bruce Waugh, the owner of CVR tell me he was ex perimenting with some Wagyu a few years ago. I’ve been picking up freezer beef from CVR for a few years now, and it was one of these trips when I first heard that news. I was quite surprised when I ran into them at our state fair this year that their Akau shi beef was now more popular than their Angus. I immediately thought of their Angus herd turning

over to Akaushi. What Bruce meant was that their meat sales had taken off, and we’re selling more retail Wagyu beef than Angus. What we hear and our interpretation of what we hear are often two different things.

CVR serves as a satellite facility for ABS Global’s IVF Embryo collection. A process that continues to evolve, and has been refined enough that you only pay for what you get. Some insurance company should use that slogan. Taylor Waugh is a big advo

cator for this new and improved collection. Drug free means less stress on the cow, and only paying for embryos collected is less stress on the producer. ABS sends an embryo specialist once a month for collection. They handle between 16 and 25 cows in a day’s work. It was because of this process that Bruce had the idea of trying some Wagyu embryos in his Angus herd. Some donors were found via some networking and inquiries, a deal was made, and the rest as they say is history. The red Akaushi or mountain cattle are not quite as funny looking as you would typically see in Wagyu. Originating in a mountainous region of Japan, they graze, and act more like traditional American cattle, and are a little slower to mature than his Angus Bruce has noticed.

The pandemic has changed some buying habits, and no doubt, some good has come out of that as ranchers all across America have seen an increase in freezer beef, as grocery store shelves were getting bare in the early stages. Those that already had slots set up at their local butcher shop’s were ahead of the curve and the rest that didn’t - struggled to find openings.

Bruce & LeeAnn, and their sons Aaron & Tay lor all play an active role in the operations at CVR. Taylor likes handling the cows and helps out on a daily basis managing the herd. Aaron likes the beef side of the business and has been instrumental in setting up opportunities for marketing their beef from the ranch. Aaron started working at a mi crobrewery in Rochester, MN which now serves primarily CVR beef to their customers. A good friend of Aaron’s happened to manage the Roch ester farmers market and suggested they try some

beef sales there as well. Daughter Lindsay lives with her husband Shane Maddock and their children in North Dakota and utilize some of the Cannon Valley Ranch genetics in their herd.

Rochester, MN is kind of a unique, perfect scenario city. I know this fairly well, as it’s also my boyhood home. Headquarters to Mayo Clinic, there is a constant flow of patients coming in for extend ed periods. Rochester seemed to be unaffected by any major financial crisis in the last century and kept its restaurants and farmer’s markets, alive and well so to speak. In an almost perfect storm scenar io, the pandemic, CVR’s location, and their ability to venture into the Akaushi beef business has set them up in an ideal situation. Not only has the public been intrigued by the Japanese beef, but the never-ending supply of patients has also introduced buyers to CVR from far across the US. LeeAnn also tells me they met a customer through social media from New Jersey. He would fly out to Min neapolis, and they met him at baggage claim, filled his coolers, and then he flew home. Customers like that return every week to buy CVR beef at the local market. As I said, I was picking up my own supply, and of course I also desired some Wagyu myself, for “inspiration”. I slightly overcooked it. Just slightly, but it was still very tender and delicious. The tenderness was an extra benefit, as I had been nursing a toothache for a few days. My first taste, and I’m 100% sure I’ll be back for more.

There was some discussion about going out to the pasture to check on the herd. Bruce suggested LeeAnn take me out in their side by side, I sug gested we take the jeep so we could all fit. LeeAnn drove, and I may have sold another. I’m Still wait ing on that commission from Jeep, but no luck so far. Their herd sire, “Kramers Empire” who was one of the top-selling bulls at Kramers Angus in 2021 posed for a quick photo. I hesitated to see if he was going to sign autographs, but he turned away. The rest of their uniform herd and a few oddball red-colored Akaushi posed for some remaining pictures.

While the demand for CVR’s Akaushi beef has been increasing, LeeAnn & Bruce assure me that they’re not getting out of the Angus business. Their annual female sale is coming up November 14th on SC Online Sales, and their annual bull sale at the ranch in Goodhue, MN on March 4th, 2023.

Advertiser‘s Index

ABS 17

American Foods Group 18

American Nat'l Cattlewomen 29

Ash Supplies 30

Blue Goose Herefords 8

Blue Lake Plastics 11 Callicrate Banders 26

Cannon Valley Ranch 22

Carlson Wholesale 6

Chimney Butte 15 Christensen Genetics 13 Dairyland Supply 11

Dixie Valley 33

Herbster Angus 20-21 Lautenschlager Red Angus 3 McWherter Farms 5

Montana Ranch 40 NCBA 17

Pneu Dart 19 Rawhide 12

Safety Zone 8 Sweet Pro 23 TJ's Fencing 38