RURAL LIFESTYLE
Schaake Farms WESTMORELAND, KANSAS
Text by Melissa Grimmel Schaake Photography by Melissa Schaake and Luke & Cat Photography
This family-owned and operated Simmental ranch is located in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, or as the Schaake’s like to call it — God’s Country. The Schaake family began breeding Simmental cattle in 1974, after Scott was introduced to the breed when he exhibited the Grand Champion Steer (Simmental x Hereford) at his county fair. Scott began artificially breeding black cows to Simmental bulls which gave him a start in black-factored Simmental genetics. Today, many of their cow families trace back to Chipper N726, a cow who exemplified the word longevity. Since day one, their priority has been to produce seedstock cattle that are sound, functional and display genetic excellence in the show ring and more importantly, in the pasture. The Schaake’s believe it is key to pay attention to detail and to build future generations around successful cow families. Even though Scott and Kandi’s sons Shane and Shilo have hung up their show harnesses, the family continues to provide high-quality show heifer prospects every fall. They take pride in helping customers select, feed, care for, show, and market their purchases. Through the help of Ranch House, they have marketed their females and bulls through their website, Facebook and Instagram. They strive to get to know and create a friendship with their current and potential customers, to remain personable and to always be honest. This is also reflected within their marketing plans. The Schaake’s offer their top show heifer and donor prospects in their Heritage Sale every fall and their best bull prospects in the Gold Bullion Sale every spring. -RHJ 74 | Ranch House Journal