It’s About the People For anyone who knows Jim or has visited with him about his history in the Gelbvieh breed, he will always tell you that it has been about the people within the breed. “One of the best things about this breed and my experiences are the people. Going to the shows, sales, conventions, and meetings was as much about meeting and visiting with people as it was for whatever purpose we were gathered together,” says Jim. “We have made so many friends in this breed. It’s impossible to measure the value of those relationships.” Jim’s advice to someone looking to get started in the breed is to “Get involved. Don’t be afraid to speak up, to voice your opinion, and to help set the future direction of the breed. This is a great breed of cattle, but the people are even better.” The impact of the Beastrom legacy may best be summed up by describing a conversation between Jim and his grandson Owen, who is nine years old. The conversation
took place a few months ago as preparations for this dispersal sale began. Owen, with a serious look on his face and in his most grown-up voice, asked Jim if they could have a talk. Jim willingly agreed and could tell this would be different from their normal grandfather-grandson talks about cattle. “Grandpa, what are you going to do with your brand when you retire,” Owen asked. Jim, a little surprised by the question, replied, “I’m not quite sure yet. Why?” Owen said, “I would like to purchase your brand to use on my own cattle.” This sale marks a significant milestone in the history of Beastrom Ranch. Seedstock and commercial breeders alike, across the country and the world, have found success in the genetics they have purchased from Beastrom Ranch. This sale provides a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the Beastrom legacy and carry on the tradition of highquality, sound, high-performing, and eye-appealing Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics that perform in the showring, in the pasture, in the feedlot, and on the rail.
Decades of Service It would be impossible to detail all the leadership and service Jim has provided the American Gelbvieh Association. Here are a few noteworthy contributions and honors: • AGA Board of Directors member 1988 to 1994 (first term) • AGA President in 1993 (first term) – Served as treasurer in 1990, and then two years as vice president • AGA Board of Directors member 2006 to 2012 (second term) • AGA President in 2011 (second term) – Served as treasurer in 2009, and vice president in 2010 • American Gelbvieh Association Hall of Fame member, Jim and Barb inducted in 2013 (Bud and Thelma Beastrom were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995. They are the only father-son duo in the AGA Hall of Fame.) • American Gelbvieh Foundation Board of Directors member – 2014 to 2020 • Member of too many AGA committees to mention • Provided direction to many National Gelbvieh Sales • Steadfast member, leader, and supporter of the South Dakota Gelbvieh Association • Member of the host committee for the 2006 and 2014 AGJA Junior Classic national junior shows
AGJA Donation Heifer Throughout the last nearly 50 years, you will find numerous examples of the Beastrom’s support of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association. “The junior program didn’t exist yet when I first got involved with Gelbvieh and by the time it was formed, I was too old. I didn’t have those opportunities,” Jim said. The Beastrom family believes the future of the Gelbvieh breed is in the junior program and strongly supports their efforts. The AGJA Donation Heifer program is one of the key fundraisers for the junior program. Beastrom Ranch, and specifically Jim and Barb, have donated three heifers to the program in the years of 2014, 2020, and 2021. These three heifers have raised nearly $60,000 for the AGJA, setting records each year. As further proof of Beastrom’s commitment to the junior program, they have agreed to donate a heifer for this year’s AGJA Donation Heifer program. BEA Ms Jeni 2170J is a March 18, 2021 born heifer sired by BEA 940G and out of BEA 1046Y, a daughter of JCGR Bar GT Ms Hepburn 113TET and BEA Sureshock 705T ET. Four full ET sister to this heifer sell in this dispersal sale. The raffle will take place in January of 2022 at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Okla. The heifer will be on display at the Beastrom Ranch dispersal sale on October 2nd. Several junior members will be on hand at the sale and will gladly sell you tickets. Hall of Fame Videos Scan these QR codes to watch two different videos used for Jim and Barb’s AGA Hall of Fame induction.
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