NOMINEES—Seedstock Producer of the Year Bieber Red Angus — Leola, South Dakota
Owners: Craig & Peggy Bieber Managers: Craig Bieber
Ron Bieber moved to South Dakota in 1961 and founded Bieber Red Angus as a diversified crop and commercial livestock venture. In 1966, Ron and Lois crossed Hereford/Shorthorn cows with a Red Angus bull and were convinced that Red Angus would be a leading breed in the industry. In 1968, Ron bought registered Red Angus females and officially started a Red Angus seedstock herd. Biebers hosted their first sale in 1976. Early on, performance data, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and average daily gain were provided as selection tools for buyers. Today, Bieber Red Angus is operated by Craig and Peggy Bieber. They sell over 500 bulls and 400 females every year and provide performance information including EPD traits on every animal. They calve more than 900 registered Red Angus females and wean additional ET calves. The cow herd runs under range conditions requiring 10+ acres per pair. The operation has a limited crop component producing mainly feed for bull and female development and herd maintenance during winter. Over time, the Biebers have continued to operate as a family-owned business breeding South Devon, Angus, Simmental and hybrid seedstock into the operation. The Biebers current focus is solely on Red Angus. They remain consistent in their approach to breeding by using technology to improve performance and carcass traits. The operation utilizes EPDs, carcass ultrasound and DNA technology to improve the performance and quality of the genetics they produce. Bieber genetics are a common component to pedigrees in the Red Angus breed worldwide. Bieber Red Angus was nominated by the Red Angus Association of America
Blythe Family Farms — White City, Kansas Owners: The Blythe Family Managers: Duane Blythe, Debbie Lyons-Blythe and Trenton Blythe
Since 1890, Blythe Family Farms has been located near White City, KS, in the Kansas Flint Hills. Debbie and Duane began raising registered Angus cattle in 1989, and Debbie is a lifetime member of the American Angus Association, since 1977. The cow herd consists of 175 registered Angus and 225 Angus-based crossbred cows and bred heifers. In addition, 350 replacement heifers are developed and bred for sale annually. The Blythes use artificial insemination extensively in their cow herd and heifer program. Since 2005, more than 4,500 bred heifers have been marketed by private treaty and consignment sales to buyers across the nation. The Blythes have chosen to focus on seedstock from a female perspective, raising and offering herd-building genetics and well-managed females that provide a foundation to many herds. Sixty registered Angus bulls are raised from the herd annually, selecting for predictable calving ease and birth weight, as well as high-quality carcass and maternal traits. They are used in the Heifer Development Program and marketed by private treaty. Debbie and Duane are working to add their three adult sons to daily labor and management of the ranch, as well as their two daughters to the legacy of Blythe Family Farms. “Trying to do things better, always” is the motto at Blythe Family Farms. This is lived out through their dedication to the improvement of their cattle, land and resources; diligently working to meet customer needs; and their willingness to go beyond their own ranch gates to advocate for the cattle industry and its future. Blythe Family Farms was nominated by the Kansas Livestock Association.
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