LEGACY Lives On
by B. Lynn Gordon photos courtesy Laflin Angus Ranch
Laflin Angus Ranch heritage celebrates 120 years.
February 2020
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any milestones will be celebrated in 2020. However, not many will carry the honor of that which will be marked by the Laflin family of Olsburg, Kan. Since the 1900s, the Laflin name has been associated with breeding and raising Angus cattle, honored as one of oldest registered Angus herds in the U.S. This year, they will embark on their 120th year of continuous production of Angus cattle. Currently, under the direction of R.D. and Shelie Laflin and their five children along with, R.D.’s
mom, Barb, the Laflin Ranch continues the rich heritage established five generations ago by Eugene B. (E.B.) Laflin near Crab Orchard, Neb. When E.B. Laflin started his herd in 1900, the focus was on producing efficient Angus cattle with exceptional size and bred-in performance. These parameters were the measuring stick incorporated into the breeding program and selection priorities for more than a century, and they have held the test of time, continuing to be the driving force today at Laflin Ranch.
“I’m amazed by what we have witnessed in the last few years in our industry,” says Laflin, referring to the drought, record-high feed prices, and a cold and stormy winter of 2019 in north-central Kansas. Knowing what he has experienced as he works to continue breeding Angus cattle, only makes Laflin have a more profound respect for what his ancestors endured over the past 120 years. They had to survive the depression of the 1930s, limited manpower while several served in the war, loss of market share, the
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