8 minute read
Build your Dream Herd with Christensen Genetics
BUILD YOUR DREAM HERD
Cover Shot
photo by Derek Sample
by Derek Sample, Derek@ABPmag.com
Photography by Derek Sample
Driving along the north Wasatch range in southeastern Idaho is definitely enchanting. Ag land is considered to be beautiful all over our country, but driving to Weston through the Cache Valley has a certain magic about it. A relatively narrow lowland surrounded by the climbing mountains spelled out an invitation before me that I accepted with a big smile on my face, while listening to my snoring pups that were plum exhausted from the morning adventures we had in Utah a few hours before. Driving out of California can be a chore, so when we find a local swimming hole and hiking spots to escape for a bit, we are sure to make time as we can. We can always dry ourselves off in the truck, to the chagrin of the hard workers at a cheap car wash later in the week. As we near our appointment time and follow the named ranch signs to our destination, I’m definitely curious about what it would have been like to grow up in this charming valley as a 5th generation farmer only a few miles away from here.
Waiting patiently for our arrival is Seth Christensen, an old soul of 29 years whose genetics program is gaining a lot of attention. As I step out of the truck to greet him, his excitement and generosity are already apparent as he starts talking shop before I can even think about grabbing my recording device. I’ve learned that this is a good sign, and I will definitely absorb a lot of information today as I’ve come here to do. Seth’s enthusiasm about what he does is very catching, so I’ll be sure to listen intently so I can be sure to remember everything. Luckily I noticed that my DashCam was still recording audio and video, as it so dutifully does, and will for another 15 minutes after the ignition turns off, so I’m saved once again since I can replay some of this conversation later.
Seth Christensen was eleven years old when he purchased his first two Holstein bull calves from a neighbor's dairy. Both received identical feed and care, and when it came time to sell them, there was a large difference in weight between the two calves. When he asked the neighbor what the difference was, the neighbor told him, "Genetics." So, it’s at this moment that a lifelong interest in genetics was born. Then, it just snowballs from there…
At 15, Seth was a certified and very busy AI technician. At 17, he owned his own small herd of registered Angus cows. At 18, he began using embryo transfer. For the last 11 years, he has used both embryo transfer and artificial insemination to improve the quality of both his herd and the herds of his clients. Then when he was 22, he graduated with a degree in Economics from Utah State University.
Akaushi
photo by Seth Christensen
Now as a higher-caliber cattleman, Seth understands the impact of quality genetics on the bottom line of business and strives to tailor fit genetics into each individual cowherd that will best fit their business model and production goals. Sometimes they won’t know exactly what they want, but with clients in 38 states and 7 countries and representing over 16,000 head of cattle, Seth understands how imperative it is to fit the right genetic package to the right ranch. He answers every call and will spend more than enough time with potential customers to master what they are looking for. Then he’ll spend time getting the right fit ready for when they arrive.
Seth Christensen out checking on his herd
photo by Derek Sample
Along with his great attitude towards the cattle business, Seth lives cattle, knows cattle, talks cattle, and dreams of cattle. His father and grandfather are die-hard crop farmers, so he’s proud to have built his own cattle enterprise from the ground up. He knew when he was a kid that he was going to raise Angus and work with their genetics to help improve the breed as best as he could. Luckily, he has a large number of private treaty customers that believe that as well. To think that at such a young age, he can support his family of 4 while maintaining his business day in and day out and giving it his full attention.
photo by Derek Sample
Seth and Hailey were raised in this valley and purchased their ranch in 2018. One of the great advantages I noticed right away was that his office has a direct view of his herd from up the hill as well as an incredible view of the
Cache Valley. Seth is able to use his office to manage the genetics, finance, and marketing of Christensen Genetics thanks to the ranch manager, Jon LaRue, taking care of the daily work involved with running the cowherd. Seth's wife, Hailey, manages the web design and accounting facets of the company, in addition to raising their two children, Emery and Miles. Jon's wife, Lauren, manages the bull leasing program for the company and takes care of their two kids, Lydia and Shad, as well.
We head down to the cows where we find some new and a little unsteady Angus and Akaushi calves peeking out from behind their mamas, a couple born just this morning. After the cuteness overload dies down a bit, Seth starts telling me about his genetics practice of implanting Akaushi embryos into Angus receipient cows and how successful that has been for him. These calves will grow big enough soon and be available via private treaty and will command a strong market price each, which was a pleasant surprise to hear.
photo by Derek Sample
Going back to when Seth was in college where he was studying economics and worked in cattle, "people would say you must not have listened very close (laughing). What I did look at was commodity ag, where it's extraordinarily difficult with fairly narrow margins where you can make a penny per each and just hope you have the quantity, or using that same model, you can lose a penny per each, and you're working on a massive scale so you're upside down. I looked at it as I have 2 options if I'm even going to attempt to make a living doing what I love. I can either beat the (snot) out of my input costs and just go massive, which is the commodity ag side, or I've got to find a way to generate more value per head. Not being profitable is not an option given that I don't work in town, my wife doesn't work in town, and the people that work for me don't work in town. We feed multiple families. I think that's one of the distinct differences is that thus far, and that's not to say I've totally arrived and made it, but I own a ranch, I feed a family, I feed multiple other families from just this. I do understand what will make enough value per head for it to be economically feasible. That's something I hope to bring to the table for people that do business with us. They're going to come and buy a cow here and she's not just going to have a big name, she's not just going to have a big set of numbers, but she's going to be economically viable. That's one of the things I really drive home with the folks we do business with. I'm here in their corner to help them realize that return, and that's one of the real differences with a lot of other outfits is they are hard to get hold of when you need to get things done since they own or operate other businesses in town. That helps define my job, and that's that we are economically viable, and so our clients will be as well."
With that said, Seth's year over year client retention is very high and his main goal is to see that it stays that way. Every day he proves that it's all about his client's needs, not his own.
Seth Christensen, Owner 208-589-9988 email: seth@christensengenetics.com web: www.christensengenetics.com
photo by Derek Sample
