ABP SPOTLIGHT

photo by Derek Sample

CROSS DIAMOND CATTLE COMPANY

by Derek Sample

Derek@ABPmag.com

Bertrand, Nebraska - As we drive up the road to the Cross Diamond ranch I can feel the energy changing. It‘s subtle, but there‘s a definite calm in the air. This feeling is confirmed when we meet Kim Ford, the better half of the couple that owns this wonderful place. We stopped here on the way to McCook where we will be taking an Angus tour tomorrow. So Tim and I decided to schedule our own tours before and after in order to share some face time with customers old and new. On this beautiful morning, we find ourselves at one of the largest Seedstock operations in Nebraska. Cross Diamond has a great reputation for their focus on Red Angus Genetics along with following up with top notch customer service, and it‘s working. 16 This place is huge. The pastures expand farther than you can see. Kim takes us on a personal tour and her demeanor exudes pride with every spoken word. They work hard and manage the best operation they can which provides impressive results for their customers who return year after year. They have 2 locations, their Headquarters in Bertrand and another in Elwood about 13 miles northwest. The commercial herd and yearlings are run at the Elwood location. Rotational grazing between the two locations and year round grazed forage utilization are the keys to the development of their cattle. Their cattle thrive on grazed forage. Kim tells us that their herd is bred with a focus on maternal traits first since their front line in profitability lies in fertility and American Beef Producer

calving ease to get a live calf on the ground. Then their emphasis becomes soundness, disposition and fleshing ability. In addition growth and carcass traits share their spotlight as well. Basically they strive for consistency and dependability in their breeding program and their program is defined by all of this and more. As we drive through the nooks and crannies of the buttes and stop to take photos among the large crowd of heifers grazing in Bertrand, you can experience first hand what the Fords are doing. This place is just remarkable. They are fully committed to handling cattle with respect and you can tell that they expect it in return. They handle the cattle in a variety of ways - on foot, horseback and four-wheelers – so that the cattle are accustomed to a November 2020

variety of handling methods. Mature cows average about 1250 lbs. with a body condition score of five at pregnancy. While listening to Kim Ford sharing these specifics with us you can tell that she is rather pleased with this moderate and mature size of their cow herd. It really fits their management program as well as their commercial customers. Nearing the end of our tour, I can tell that the pride in their breeding program is based on sound, efficient, fertile and docile cattle. Kim mentions again that their priority is fertility, since without a live calf year after year, no one can make it in this business. Calving season begins in late March in the commercial herd and early April for the registered herd. Then all cows are exposed for a 50-day period, and yearling heifers are exposed for a 30-day period to keep a tight calving season. This will breed fertility into the herd year after year. When we return and check out their sale building, you can‘t help but notice on the outside in large letters is their motto “Bulls Bred Ford Tough”.

As I‘ve known them for a few hours, I have come to believe that motto is true. These folks work hard to the bone. Yeah, I‘ve met tons of ranchers and farmers that work hard, but I think this family is up there in the winning categories. Even in 2020, which is a challenge for all of us in some way, they share in their latest Chronicle “it has taken a little more work to find the good in 2020. But in Agriculture, we are well skilled in finding the positive side in things. For example, we may see fertilizer when everyone else just sees manure. Just keep moving, the tough journeys often have the boldest memories and the most valuable lessons.” The Cross Diamond crew consists of a great group of people that work well together on a day to day basis. In addition they have great selling partnerships with various Angus ranches that help them to increase their numbers of bulls, along with broadening the diversity of their focus on their breeding programs in order to provide a great selection to fit the needs of their customers. With all of that said, they are preparing to host their Annual Sale this coming December 14th. This sale will be a doozy! They will have 240 coming 2 yr old Bulls, 8 HybRED bulls and 350 commercial Bred Heifers. This offering is made up of their own genetics plus a top-flight group of guest consignors. Then there‘s the free nationwide delivery and the first breeding season guarantee. That says the Fords are serious about their business.

A special treat is in store for you if you are around their neighborhood on December 13th, the day before their sale. That Sunday, the Fords are hosting a “Sunday Cattle Drive and Appreciation Supper”. An effort to provide interested parties a chance to leisurely drive their vehicle through the sale cattle in pasture lots until dark. Then stay for refreshments and supper, as Kim says “please come and enjoy a great meal and fellowship with other cattlemen and women.” Personally, I‘d like to attend. Sounds like a fun day. ABP

photo by Derek Sample