Rancho Deluxe
This Patent Pending design is the largest portable corral on wheels ever built. 22’ long panels, 6’ tall. 600-800 head capacity, all of which has a total weight under 15,000lbs. With multiple gates, spring latches, multiple pen capabilities for sorting.
Rawhide Processor
by John McDonald
• Pull on highway at speed limit.
• Fits through any gate your pickup will.
• Stable on uneven terrain.
• Permanent sheeted adjustable alley.
• Transport wheels are permanent, no sliding off the axles and rolling out of the way.
• Wheels on each panel and electric over hydraulic jack eliminates lifting— saves time.
• Frame gates for sorting.
Bumper or gooseneck models. Head gate option, 22’ long panels, 6’ tall. New vinyl, sheeted temporary alley.
email Tim@ABPmag.com with updates f = female sale
24-Aug Angus Hill Farm Randolph, NY
24-Aug E. Tennessee Polled Herefords White Pine, TN
24-Aug Genetic Allies LaSalle, IL
24-Aug Riverbend Ranch f Idaho Falls, ID
24-Aug Wisconsin Hereford Assoc. tour SW Region
25-Aug Iowa Hereford Tour Bluegrass, IA
26-Aug Daltons On The Sycamore online
27-Aug Baylor Cowden Show cattle Hickory, PA
31-Aug Boyd Beef Cattle Mayslick, KY
31-Aug Cates Farms Modac, IN
31-Aug Cornerstone Farms Winchester, IN
31-Aug Gateway To Excellence St. Louis, MO
31-Aug Indiana Fall Classic Greenfield, IN
31-Aug Johnson Angus Ranch Durham, CT
31-Aug OK Angus Gathering Perkins, OK
31-Aug Sunrise Sunset Farm Modoc, IN
31-Aug Turner Shorthorns PT Somerset, OH
1-Sep C&L Hereford Ranch Ixonia, WI
1-Sep Parker Bros./DKM Bradyville, TN
1-Sep R-C Show cattle online
1-Sep Turner Shorthorns PT Somerset, OH
2-Sep Autumn In The Ozarks Strafford, MO
2-Sep East Side Farm & Guests Fredrick, MD
2-Sep Parker Bros/DKM Bradyville, TN
3-Sep Family Values show heifer Eastland, TX
5-Sep Vintage Angus/Sierra Ranches La Grange, CA
6-Sep Byrd Cattle Co. Red Bluff, CA
6-Sep Lorenzen Farms online
6-Sep Walker Herefords frozen genetics Morrison, TN
7-Sep A Bar Ranch Claremore, OK
7-Sep Butler Herefords PT Republic, MO
7-Sep EZ Angus Ranch Farmington, CA
7-Sep Gutwein Angus Rensselaer, IN
7-Sep Kolt Cattle Co. Garland, NE
7-Sep NC Fall Harvest Simmental Union Grove, NC
7-Sep Walker Herefords Morrison, TN
8-Sep Heritage Angus Sloughhouse, CA
9-Sep Genoa Livestock Minden, NV
9-Sep Rhodes Angus Cambria, CA
9-Sep Smith Family Farms online
9-Sep The Precedence Turlock, CA
10-Sep O’Neal Ranch Madera, CA
10-Sep Haythorn Ranch Ogallala, NE
11-Sep Bonnell Cattle Co. online
11-Sep Gypsy Creek Ranch online
11-Sep Teixeira Cattle Co. Pismo Beach, CA
12-Sep 44 Farms f online
12-Sep D&W Angus Hartwell, GA
12-Sep Donati Ranch/ O’Connell Ranch Oroville, CA
12-Sep Frontier Fall Roundup Torrington, WY
13-Sep Tehama Angus Gerber, CA
14-Sep Arellano Bravo Angus Galt, CA
14-Sep Destiny Angus & guest Charleston, IL
14-Sep ETSSA & HOTSSA Fall Fest Henderson, TX
Seven of the region’s premier seedstock producers invite you to attend the All Breeds Cattle Tour.
There is no cost to attend! Pre-registration is not required but is appreciated. Pre-register by calling (701) 223-2522 to be entered into a drawing for $250 cash. For hotel reservations, call the Baymont in Jamestown at (701) 252-3611 and ask for the All Breeds Cattle Tour rate.
f = female sale
14-Sep ND Angus Assoc. Fall Tour thru 9/16
14-Sep Pearcy Angus Ranch Fairy, TX
14-Sep Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks f Springfield, MO
14-Sep Waltons Way Cow Power Linwood, NY
15-Sep 6B Farms online
15-Sep Farrer Stock Farms Royal Center, IN
15-Sep Illini Elite Simmental Shelbyville, IL
15-Sep Lowderman Illini Top Cut Macomb, IL
16-Sep Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks Ardmore, OK
16-Sep The Last Sunset – Doug Gerber Richmond, IN
17-Sep MT Angus Tour Lewistown, MT
17-Sep Old Stage & Veenendaal Angus Hanford, CA
17-Sep Poss Angus Scotia, NE
18-Sep ADR Cattle Co. dispersion Dunlap, IA
18-Sep Bullseye Breeders Modesto, CA
19-Sep Dunn Four/ PWR online
19-Sep Holden Herefords Valier, MT
19-Sep Rancho Casino/Dal Porto Livestock Denair, CA
20-Sep Churchill Cattle Company Manhattan, MT
20-Sep Dixie Valley Angus Galt, CA
20-Sep Linz Heritage Angus Byars, OK
20-Sep Nebraska Angus Tour Crete, NE
20-Sep Reynolds Herefords Huntsville, MO
21-Sep ACH Holdings Bowling Green, KY
21-Sep Angus Breeders of Texas Gainesville, TX
21-Sep Burns Farms & Friends Pikeville, TN
21-Sep Central Missouri Polled Hereford Cuba, MO
21-Sep Conley Cattle Sulphur, OK
21-Sep Ehlke Herefords Townsend, MT
21-Sep Genetic Diamonds f Montgomery, IN
21-Sep Jorgenson Land & Cattle f Ideal, SD
21-Sep Loonan Stock Farms PT Corning, IA
21-Sep Moon Shine Angus Heber Springs, AR
21-Sep Pollard Farms Waukomis, OK
21-Sep Thummel Angus & Guest Ravenwood, MO
21-Sep Trowbridge Farms Ghent, NY
22-Sep Hopson Angus f Crescent, OK
22-Sep Mohican West Laurel, MT
22-Sep Stegall Cattle Company Colusa, CA
23-Sep Gardiner Angus Ranch Ashland, KS
23-Sep SD Angus Tour Winner, SD
24-Sep Knott’s Landing Angus online
24-Sep Triple A Farms & Friends online
26-Sep Circle Ranch Beef Solutions Ione, CA
26-Sep Red Alliance Groesbeck, TX
26-Sep Red Hill Farms Lafayette, TN
27-Sep GMC Genetics Fraziers Bottom, WV
27-Sep Kansas Angus Assoc f Manhattan, KS
27-Sep KL3 f Poplar Bluff, MO
27-Sep Triple A Farms & Friends online
27-Sep Tulare County Stockyard Dinuba, CA
28-Sep 417’s Finest Hereford Fair Grove, MO
28-Sep B&B Angus Cattle Terrell, TX
28-Sep Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC
28-Sep Boyd Beef f Mays Lick, KY
28-Sep California Bull Breeders Turlock, CA
28-Sep Double Barrel Angus College Grove, TN
28-Sep Gohr Cattle Co. Madras, OR
28-Sep Heart Of The Ozarks Angus Assoc. West Plains, MO
28-Sep K Bar D f Redmond, OR
28-Sep KY Simmental Lexington, KY
28-Sep Maplecrest Farms f Hillsboro, OH
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Montana Made Female Sale and Open House
SEPTEMBER 15,
Mark Ehlke 406-439-4311 Jane’a Merkel 406-202-2766 Lacey Jepson 406-439-1544 info@ehlkeherefords.com EHLKEHEREFORDS.COM
28-Sep McPhee Red Angus Lodi, CA
28-Sep Mountain State Spectacular Weston, WV
28-Sep Terry Little’s TL Angus Monticello, MO
28-Sep The Great Shorthorn Revival Beaverton, MI
28-Sep The Seedstock Connection Nolensville, TN
28-Sep Triple A Farms & Friends online
28-Sep Vorthmann Limousin Treynor, IA
29-Sep Tranyham Ranch Fort Klamath, OR
30-Sep Green Mountain Angus disp. Ryegate, MT
1-Oct Cagwin Farms Virginia, IL
1-Oct Deer Valley embryo online
1-Oct Mckenzie Land & Livestock Fort Stockton, TX
2-Oct Halfmann Red Angus Miles, TX
2-Oct Edwards Land & Cattle online
3-Oct Bayou Creek Ranch Lone Grove, OK
3-Oct Dudley Bros. Commanche, TX
4-Oct Birk Genetics Jackson, MO
4-Oct Deer Valley Farm Okeechobee, FL
4-Oct Mississippi State Elite Jackson, MS
4-Oct Ozark Farm Springfield, MO
4-Oct Prairie View Farms Gridley, IL
5-Oct 2 Bar/Goode Angus f Hereford, TX
5-Oct Bradley Cattle Company/ Hankins Republic, MO
5-Oct Buffalo Creek Red Angus Wichita Falls, TX
5-Oct California Breeders Turlock, CA
5-Oct Cattlemen’s Delight Black River Falls, WI
5-Oct Central Kentucky Angus Assoc. Lancaster, KY
5-Oct Chain Ranch Canton, OK
5-Oct Clark Farms f Hustontown, PA
5-Oct Colyer Hereford & Angus f Bruneau, ID
5-Oct Crossroads Collaboration Greensburg, IN
5-Oct Factory Direct f West Lafayette, IN
5-Oct Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch Ree Heights, SD
5-Oct Greenhorn Cattle Co. Waynesville, OH
5-Oct JAC’s Ranch Bentonville, AR
5-Oct Journagan Ranch Springfield, MO
5-Oct Mann Cattle Company Caldwell, TX
5-Oct Perkins/Green Garden Angus f Lorraine, KS
5-Oct Point Pleasant Angus Bland, VA
5-Oct The Breeders Classic Gettysburg, PA
5-Oct The Source Sessions Santa Margarita, CA
5-Oct Triple A Farms & Friends online
6-Oct Badger Southern Select Burlington, WI
6-Oct Cal Poly Bull Test San Luis Obispo, CA
6-Oct Du-Lynn Farms Berlin, OH
6-Oct Purple Reign Cattle online
6-Oct Wilder’s Aggie Traditions College Station, TX
7-Oct Bollum Family Shorthorns Goodhue, MN
7-Oct Express Ranches Yukon, OK
7-Oct McEntire Red Angus Sweetwater, OK
8-Oct 9 Peaks Ranch Fort Rock, OR
8-Oct Cantrell Creek Angus Marshfield, MO
8-Oct Coleman Angus f Charlo, MT
8-Oct Fall Harvest online
8-Oct Green Cattle Company online
8-Oct Powell Herefords Ft. McKavett, TX
8-Oct S Co Shorthorns online
9-Oct R.A. Brown Ranch Throckmorton, TX
10-Oct Bieber Fever in the SE Swainsboro, GA
10-Oct GKB Cattle Desdemona, TX
10-Oct Grimmel Girls/Grimmel Schaake online
10-Oct Lawrence Family Limousin online
10-Oct Williams Angus f Gray, TN
11-Oct Cardinal Creek Cattle Company online
11-Oct Coal Valley Angus Parson, KS
11-Oct J&N Ranch Leavenworth, KS
11-Oct Red River Farms Grand Saline, TX
11-Oct Smith Valley Angus Salem, MO
12-Oct Bullington Cattle Co. Baxter, TN
12-Oct Angus Alliance Carthage, MO
12-Oct Byergo Angus Savannah, MO
12-Oct Buck Cattle Company Madill, OK
12-Oct Chessie Creek Walterboro, SC
12-Oct East Central Missouri Angus Cuba, MO
12-Oct Evergreen Exclusive f Ellensburg, WA
12-Oct Heart of the Prairie Rush Springs, OK
12-Oct IBEP PT Springville, IN
12-Oct Jim D. Bellis Family Aurora, MO
12-Oct Markota Angus Lisbon, OH
12-Oct McCloud Farms Jayess, MS
12-Oct Mohican Polled Herefords + Glenmont, OH
12-Oct Pembrook Cattle Co. Fairview, OK
12-Oct Perks Ranch Rockford, IL
12-Oct Pleasant Hill Farm Rockfield, KY
12-Oct Ponderosa Farms Taylorsville, MS
12-Oct Power Performance Angus Mountain Grove, MO
12-Oct Snedden Ranch Maricopa, CA
12-Oct Star G Ranch Douds, IA
12-Oct Studer Family Shorthorns Anita, IA
12-Oct Schrag/Nikkel Marion, SD
12-Oct Texas Angus Fall Classic f Salado, TX
12-Oct The Black Label Grandview, TX
12-Oct The Magnolia Classic Starkville, MS
12-Oct Thomas & Sons online
12-Oct Trinity Farms f Ellensburg, WA
12-Oct Vintage Angus Ranch f Modesto, CA
13-Oct Brumley Farms Ranch online
13-Oct EZ Angus Ranch disp. Farmington, CA
13-Oct Ohio Shorthorn Breeders Millersburg, OH
13-Oct Sullivan Farms online
13-Oct Weiker Angus Fayette, MO
14-Oct DeanaJak Farms New Enterprise, PA
14-Oct Delaney/Atkins Lake Benton, MN
14-Oct EZ Angus Ranch disp. Farmington, CA
14-Oct Indian Mound Ranch Canadian, TX
15-Oct Bernard Show Cattle online
15-Oct Bonnell Cattle Co. online
15-Oct Byrd Cattle Co embryo Red Bluff, CA
16-Oct Peterson Prime Angus New Boston, MO
17-Oct Kirkes Black Angus Ranch Talihina, OK
17-Oct Oakdale Farms Rome, GA
17-Oct Stone Gate commercial f Flemingsburg, KY
17-Oct Thomas Angus Baker City, OR
17-Oct Wilks Ranch f Eastland, TX
18-Oct Brumfield Angus Farm Sawyer, MI
18-Oct Myers/Tamme Valley Harrodsburg, KY
18-Oct NILE Angus f Billings, MT
18-Oct W4 Ranch Morgan, TX
19-Oct 3C Cattle Carrollton, MO
19-Oct Basin Angus f Billings, MT
19-Oct Basin Ranch f Myton, UT
19-Oct Bedwell Cattle Co/Lost Diamond B Isabella, OK
Reduce spread of disease
Eliminates man power
Increase daily rate of gain
Reduce costly stress on cattle & infestation
No product waste
Improve overall health on cows and calves
Saves pressure on fences
CATTLEWOMAN & AI EXPERT
Interview & Artwork by
Derek Sample. Derek@ABPmag.com
BOZEMAN, MONTANA
Derek: Hey Katelyn, great to see you again. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Katelyn: My name is Katelyn Kohlbeck and I’m a fourth-generation rancher. My family and I live in Bozeman, Montana. We have operated Storey Hereford Ranch here since 1919. We raise registered Herefords and registered Red Angus. We've been in Gallatin County since 1919, and my family initially raised dairy cows and shorthorns before switching to Herefords in 1935.
Katelyn: That's true. With the cattle market so strong right now, it doesn’t matter whether you have a red hide or black hide. The value is strong enough that color is overlooked.
D: Yes, everyone I’ve talked to over these last few months says the same.
Katelyn: In eastern Montana, there’s a huge market for red baldies. They put red bulls on Hereford cows one year and swap the next year
D: I follow your Instagram, and you’re an impressive ambassador for Herefords.
Katelyn: I love Herefords. They're a perfect blend of versatility and adaptability. You can go the Baldy route, F1, there are so many different things you can do with Hereford cattle. If we had a lot more cows and land, I would run registered Hereford cows with a Baldy commercial side. We private treaty a lot of our Hereford bulls to commercial Angus breeders. It’s cool to see the results of our bulls on Angus cows, and it shows we’re doing our job well.
D: Yes, that’s a popular cross these days with great results.
and it creates a beautiful mix. I’m a true Hereford person, but even I see the value in diversifying.
D: Exactly. It’s great to hear more people are trying different ideas within those parameters.
Katelyn: Yes. Many people who do commercial blacks have a history with Herefords. Their family used to raise Herefords but switched to blacks. Now they’re trying to reintroduce Herefords. They talk about issues like sunburn bags from the seventies and eighties, which we've all worked hard to fix since then. We don’t see any more of that in our breed. In this area, we've dealt with foot rot issues before, due to softer ground, while other areas might still deal with pink eye due to desert conditions or tall grass. Our cattle are bred to be rugged, and tough in every environment.
D: Right. You’re still doing private treaty, correct?
Katelyn: Yes. My grandpa used to do the sale circuit in the northwest. He’d load up a bunch of bulls and be gone for months.
D: Wow. I'd love to go back in time to watch him sell those bulls day in and day out.
Katelyn: I have a picture of him behind me, where he brought bulls for sale and the crowd that always appeared when he did. We do private treaty, yes, but we are planning our fall Hereford only female sale in 2025. We’ll be a tour stop for the World Hereford Conference, so we’re rolling it out then. We’ll have heifer calves, bred heifers, and frozen lots. We sold a choice of our heifers in Denver earlier this year, and other than our mixed breed heifer sale in the fall, our bull sales have always been private treaty.
Katelyn: I love production sales, but we don’t have the numbers. Financially it doesn’t make sense for us. Plus, I enjoy getting to know each customer more personally. Right now, we have about 160
mama cows. We take our top 25-40 bulls. I’d like to see 50 before committing to a sale. We could get 50, but I want the best because I don’t like unhappy customers. So, we’re working on increasing our numbers but still focusing on quality like always.
D: Is that something you’re just introducing into your program, or has it been in the works for a while?
Katelyn: We’ve been working on it since I came back to the ranch in 2015. My dad was running the ranch at the time, and we got to work together as a team. It’s impossible to get lease ground and grow your ranch around here. Many places won’t lease long-term due to high $$ subdivision offers. Realtors constantly ask if we want to sell our farm. So, instead of growing with numbers, we’re focusing on quality.
D: I’ve talked to a number of ranches lately where they’re also losing leases to high developer dollars. It’s challenging to find land just about everywhere.
Katelyn: Right. Where do you move a 105-year-old ranch? If you value the generations before you, and have the attachment that we do to this place, keep your head down, work your butt off, and don’t you dare move. That’s a big question. I’m just starting to figure out this place as an adult!
D: Exactly. You’ve been getting settled for about 10 years now. It takes time.
Katelyn: Yeah and it will probably take more time. I’ll call you in 10 years, and I'll let you know.
D: I’ll visit in 10 years and we’ll share an update to your Storey, uh, I mean story <laughs>
Let’s see, can you tell me about your family's history with Storey Ranch?
Katelyn: Sure. My mom, Kathy Kohlbeck, is third generation, and I am fourth. This is essentially her family's ranch. She was born and raised here, and I live in her childhood home. These days she lives in the headquarters, which was her grandmother's house. We only live about 100 yards apart. It's a traditional ranch family setup. My dad is originally from Wisconsin. He comes from a big family with a pile of siblings and no ranching background. However, you would never guess that if you met him. He is a true Montana rancher. He moved around a lot, living in Tennessee, Oregon, and other places before settling down and starting to dive into the cattle industry in the late sixties. He became a big Hereford herdsman. My parents met in Montana in a bar at a bull sale.
Katelyn with her mom and dad, Chuck & Kathy Kohlbeck
Katelyn: Yes, it was a small town called Big Timber. My mom has an interesting story too. She shattered many glass ceilings. In her time, it wasn't normal for women to go to bull sales or work with cattle, but she pushed those boundaries. She was a National Hereford Women and was also named Hereford Woman of the Year.
D: That's a great story! People often say they'll never meet anyone at a bar, but here you are.
D: Wow, she sure sounds impressive.
Katelyn: My great grandma, Hilda Storey, was also significant in the Hereford breed and formed the Montana Hereford Auxiliary, which was known as the first Auxiliary in the US. She was the matriarch of our family, a rugged, no-nonsense woman, not your traditional homemaker.
D: Wow, she sounds amazing. Is she still around?
Katelyn: She passed away before I was born. I wish I could've met her. She was a remarkable woman.
D: I love hearing about strong women like her and I'm sorry that you didn’t get to know her.
Katelyn: My grandpa Jim, who I called Papa, passed away in 2015. We were very, very close. My grandma Bette, my mom's mom, passed away when I was 2. My parents moved back here in the eighties and have been married for over 40 years. My mom worked at Montana State University for 34 years, and my dad managed this ranch with my grandpa. My mom retired in 2017 and now works here full-time, doing all our accounting. She also helps with haying, calving, and other ranch activities. She also monitors our calving setup with 15-20 cameras.
D: I bet those cameras keep her real busy. Do you have any siblings or children?
Katelyn: Nope, no siblings or children, just a red cowdog named Monk.
D: How about any hired help on the ranch?
Katelyn: Yes, we do. Being close to Montana State University, we get lots of help from students during calving season. We also have a full-time employee who works with me daily. My dad works full-time with me, too. He works all day, every single day.
D: What’s it like living in the fastest-growing city in the country?
Katelyn: It's a blessing and a curse. I love Bozeman and the convenience it offers, like DoorDash and Instacart. However, the traffic is crazy, and many farmers and ranchers are being pushed out. Property values are skyrocketing, making it hard for us to maintain our ranches without turning them into subdivisions. I wish that they could somehow give us a tax break for NOT turning our ranches into subdivisions. There's also a new predator tax here now, which we must pay to protect our livestock from wolves and coyotes.
to advocate for women, for farmers and ranchers, the Lupus Foundation of America, and it gave me the courage to embrace myself, flaws and all.
I reconnected with the director of the Miss Montana America pageant system in 2020, right when COVID hit. My personality is such that when things go wrong, I dive headfirst into something and go all out. My parents were at the World Hereford Conference in New Zealand and almost got stuck there because of COVID. They were incredibly lucky to get the last flight out before lockdown. It was just chaos. So, that spring I started a farm-totable meat business, raising 30 to 40 steers a year and marketing them to Bozeman families, especially during COVID when there was nowhere to get meat. That experience taught me to really talk to people who didn't know me or anything about cattle or my family. So that started priming the pump for Miss Montana. It made me more comfortable in my own skin.
D: That's great. So how did all that get going then?
D: I bet that's a corrupt waste of money.
Katelyn: Yes, it's a recent implementation. We must pay it, but the authorities don't actually provide much protection. It's very frustrating.
D: I’m going to look more into that and see who I can talk to. Now can we talk about your reign as Mrs. Montana America? It’s quite impressive.
Katelyn: First of all, it was the most amazing experience I could have asked for. It gave me a voice
Katelyn: Well, I was diagnosed with lupus at 14 after the Gardasil vaccine triggered my lupus. Growing up, I was in and out of the Mayo Clinic and sick a lot. By 2020, lupus was more in the spotlight, and I wanted my platform for Miss Montana to be about opportunity for women in agriculture, and also spread awareness about lupus. I spoke with the director throughout COVID and told her I wouldn't do it if I had to wear a face mask on stage. In 2022, she encouraged me to run, saying this would be my year. Running for Miss Montana changed my life. I'm not someone who wears
makeup or does my hair, since I work with cows all day. I wear leggings or running shorts to work, not jeans or a button-up. I'm an unconventional “fashionista” for a rancher.
D: That just means you like to be comfy. Nobody judged you, though, until you decided to enter this competition. How did it go?
Katelyn: The competition was intense. I was different, a ranch girl who works the ranch day in and day out. There were some girls whose families had a ranch, but they had moved away. I built relationships with people who weren’t in agriculture, and I used lupus and women in agriculture as my platform. I also raised a lot of money for the Lupus Foundation of America. It taught me how to connect with people, on a level other than cattle. Plus, it was great to represent the Hereford breed, be a female in the Ag industry, and not be the typical pageant girl. My pageant coach wanted me to wear heels all day that whole summer because you can’t have tan lines, and you’ll need to get used to them anyway for the competition. I was his worst nightmare of a client! I just cannot wear heels in a tractor; I wear tennis shoes every day. Luckily, a spray tan came in clutch for those farmer tan lines. I think some of my favorite moments were reaching out as I did a lot of volunteer work with 4H and FFA. It was
such an honor to have that experience. I wouldn’t trade those 2 years for anything. Then, the Nationals were an eye-opener. I expected bratty girls, but it wasn't like that. When you're thrown in with 50 stunning women, it's like being Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality. Most of the women were supportive and accomplished with families and businesses. It was a great experience. The competition was insane, but I made it to the top 15. I had no idea how incredibly supportive women can be really until we all banded together. When you’re at nationals and awake from 2 am until midnight for 12 days, it’s also the survival of the fittest. I didn’t make the top 6, but they sure were badasses, just incredible women. It was a remarkable experience, and I cannot thank my family enough for the opportunity to finally find my voice, and share it with the world. Plus, I got to represent the most beautiful state in this country!
D: Were you an ambassador at different events as Mrs. Montana?
Katelyn: Yes, after I got my title in May 2022, I hit the ground running with rodeos, parades, schools, and other events. I worked with Fork & Spoon, making and handing out lunches for kids. I was on
the radio doing interviews, or volunteering somewhere almost every day. Then, I'd come home and hay or move cows or do other ranch work. Busiest summer of my life, but still did what I needed to do as Mrs. Montana, and put in at least 10 hour days on the ranch.
D: Would've made some great Instagram reels!
Katelyn: Yeah, it would have. On the way home, I’d take off my makeup and extensions, then jump in a tractor. It was a busy and exciting time.
D: Do you miss it?
Katelyn: I do. I miss reaching out, speaking to people, and learning their stories. It was nice to get to know people in my state. I love being back in plain clothes now, but I miss the connections, and don’t get me wrong, I miss looking like a queen all the time!
D: Thoughts on local or federal government support?
Katelyn: That’s hard because farmers and ranchers are a small group. We can't rally together and make a huge difference. However, being involved in local co-ops can make a difference. I'm on the regional council board for Land O'Lakes, working with the Farm Bill and trying to make a difference. Educating people about the ag industry is important, even in small conversations.
D: What about the current presidential craziness?
Katelyn: It's a terrifying world. I wish people would stop hating each other over two candidates. Both candidates have managed to drive this country apart. I wish we had a candidate who did what was best for the country, weighing both sides and being emotionally, physically, and mentally stable.
D: We already touched on this a bit, but is there anything you'd like to share about being a woman in the industry? Do any challenges come to mind?
D: Let’s talk about the great state of Montana. What was it like growing up in Big Sky country?
Katelyn: Montana is the best place I could have asked for. Growing up in this valley was safe and tight-knit. The ag industry here isn't as close as it used to be, but the Hereford industry is very supportive on a national level. It's a beautiful community where everyone has the same goal: to keep doing what they love.
D: That’s great to hear. Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share about the cattle industry?
Katelyn: I'm thankful cattle prices are high. It makes life easier for farmers and ranchers. Our input costs are high, but high cattle prices help. I delivered a lot of bulls this spring, and I could see that people had new corrals and new hay fence. You know it’s something good if you see a brand-new chute over there and it's well-deserved.
Katelyn: Yes. I mean, I think it's so crazy. As much as I hated COVID, I feel like it really pushed women forward in the ag industry, which I'm so grateful for. When I first came back here, it was very traditional. I'd walk in somewhere to buy something, and my dad would walk behind me, where people would nod at me but go straight to him. My Dad worked and works his tail off for this ranch. But it is hard to break into an industry and have people take you seriously as a female, when the average person thinks you are just “too small in stature” to run a ranch. I may be small, but I am mighty!
- continued on page 26
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D: I noticed! What’s your favorite cut of beef, and how do you like it cooked?
Katelyn: Oh my. Filet rare to medium rare. I'm kind of a rare person. I also love skirt steak tacos.
D: Skirt steak tacos are amazing and high on my own list of favorites, adding corn tortillas to that.
Katelyn: Yes. Street tacos with skirt steak, guac, chimichurri, and little corn tortillas are my favorite.
D: Great choice. Is there a favorite restaurant you like to go to in Bozeman or somewhere?
Katelyn: Have you been to LaHood in Cardwell?
D: Yes, I have. It's a great little diner with mouthwatering steaks.
Katelyn: Yes, and great prime rib. I can actually tell you that in Bozeman, Merry Piglets or Taco Montes are my two favorite places to get my taco fix on. I usually cook my own steaks because nothing beats home-cooked, especially with our sourcing.
who I am though, I' a fighter. Defying those odds and still working with rheumatoid arthritis is tough. I take an injection weekly, and I really take care of my body which helps a lot now.
D: That sounds incredibly challenging every day.
Katelyn: It is, but I'm a perfectionist. Everything has to be perfect, and I'm my own worst critic.
D: I completely understand and it's tough being that way. Was also there a moment on the ranch that was particularly challenging?
D: As it should be. Do you still do farm-to-table?
Katelyn: Yes, but we don't do as many restaurants anymore. Most of them wanted Sysco pricing, and I can't compete with that. The only way I could get to their price point was to sell them half-inch and I didn't really want my name on that. We're known for thick, delicious steaks. We still sell a lot of quarters, halves, and wholes to people directly.
D: That makes sense. Tell me, have you had any huge challenges either at the ranch or life in general, that you've had to overcome? You mentioned lupus earlier too.
Katelyn: Yes. I've had lupus for a long time. There are good days and bad days. I will not let it define
Katelyn: The winter of 2020 was incredibly challenging. It was the most snow I’ve ever seen in my entire life, and it was freezing; every day was a struggle. Every tractor would die, and we had to idle them for days. It was total chaos for 3-4 months straight. It was hard physically, emotionally, and mentally because we were still calving, so we had no sleep.
D: That sounds rough and so debilitating.
Katelyn: It was. I've learned to take life in small increments. My dad's wrestling coach used to tell me, "Five more seconds..." So, whenever I'm struggling, I say that to myself. If I can just last 5 more seconds. Even if I must say it a thousand times, it helps me overcome tough moments. When it's 60 below, I tell myself 5 more seconds, I can get this done. 5 more seconds. It’s funny, my Dad and I talk about if we ever got our first tattoos, we would get the number 5!
D: That's a great mindset. I’ll remember that one. Katelyn: Yes. Another big challenge was losing my grandfather in 2015. He was the glue that held our family together. It took us a long time to get through
that. Every day, I go for a five- or six-mile run to the highest hill on our ranch, where I feel closest to God and him. That is where I talk to him, and God, and thank them for another day on this beautiful ranch doing what I love to do. It helps me get through the tough times.
D: What a wonderful daily meditation.
Katelyn: Yes, it's my moment, my therapy.
D: Perfect. Tell me about any mentors you've had.
Katelyn: My dad is a huge mentor of mine. He’s taught me a lot about hard work and perseverance. He has always supported me and encouraged me to keep going. My mom too. Of course, there was my grandfather, who was a huge mentor of mine. I would say those 3 really shaped me, yet they all played different roles. My mom is the cooling, grounding soul of the family. She’s taught me patience paired with kindness, but my goodness, she works so hard, as she is just a boss lady. My Dad has taught me how to dig my heels down in the dirt and get the job done, yet he has been so damn supportive of me being a female working on a ranch. It's a beautiful balance, and being an only child was a blessing because I got to spend so much quality time with each of them. As far as my grandpa, I only aspire to be half the man that he was just because he was an incredible human. Also, Jane’a Ehlke has been one of gods greatest gifts in my life as far as a sister, friend, confidant, partner in crime, etc. She keeps me solid. Outside of my blood relatives, the entire Hereford Community are all amazing mentors, and role models to look up to.
you can leave and return with a fresh mind. Selfcare is the best therapy you could ever ask for.
D: Agreed. Let’s talk trucks. Are you a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge girl?
Katelyn: Ford. Yes sir.
D: Nice. How about a trendy question: do you have any thoughts on global warming?
Katelyn: Well, it's hot. It's funny because it is so hot in Montana right now. I think global warming is a thing, but if you look back to 1954, there was the same exact trend.
D: Yeah, I was listening to a podcast about that, and this is all just cyclic. People don't get it.
Katelyn: I don't think cows are killing the planet.
D: Exactly. The more we say that out loud, the more people will hear it.
Katelyn: Yeah. In Columbus, they’re building an experiment center for greenhouse gas emissions. It's a new project, pretty amazing honestly.
D: I saw something about it last week, and that reminds me to look more into it. Another question: If you had the time, is there anything left on your bucket list?
Katelyn: It's big bucket. I would love to tour the world and look at different Hereford cattle. I'm not much of a world traveler, but it would be neat.
D: Is there anything you do to escape it all these days? Can you get away for a weekend or more?
Katelyn: Growing up and getting older through this process of being a rancher, I think self-care is important. It's a generational thing because older generations are about working every single day, all day. I've been a lot better about it in the last year and a half, especially giving the people who work here a day or an afternoon off if I can. They come back refreshed and recharged, even if it's just an afternoon. I don't think I would go into town and deal with Bozeman, but if I had an afternoon, I would probably go on a run with my Border Collie or go spend an afternoon making cookies or one of my famous cheesecakes. Anytime I can leave for a day or half a day, it's rare, but it helps get your mind right. Everything here is so intense that
D: An international Hereford tour sounds awesome. Does anything else come to mind?
Katelyn: I would absolutely love to go to a baseball game in Wrigley Field and watch the Chicago Cubs play the New York Yankees. My grandma's from Chicago, so we’re big Chicago people, and I have loved New York ever since I went in 2020. Other than that, we don't take a lot of vacations, but my family and I went fishing off the Oregon coast five or six years ago. I would love to do that again. My dad really wants to go salmon fishing in Alaska, and I would allow him to do that if I got to hunt a bear.
D: Yes, Alaska's on my short list. So, tell me where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you have goals here on the ranch that you'd like to share?
chicken arms”, even though I call them my baby pythons. I went to school and got certified. The first two years, I couldn't even find the cervix, but I ended up getting good at it. I now have quite a few clients around this valley that I AI for. If I’m not hitting 85 to 95%, I'm upset. We set up the cows, do heat detecting, and I come in to AI. I spend a lot of time driving back and forth to AI other people's cows. My only rule is I’m unavailable when we’re AI’ing our own cows. Plus, I broke my wrist four or five years ago, so I couldn’t AI for a whole year. After my wrist healed, my dad handed it over to me. Hiring people to do it is expensive, and for me, it’s something I can control and be good at. It's my bread and butter.
D: Any advice for up-and-coming ranchers?
Katelyn: You can't build Rome in a day. Things take time. You must learn to respect generational ranching. Be patient, and don’t get caught up in trying to do too many things in one day. Also, parents should let their kids decide if they want to be in this industry. Give them the space and time to make their own decision.
D: Well said. So what would you say to that 7th grade science teacher who told you that ag isn't for girls?
Katelyn: That experience transformed me and fueled my drive. It was a pivotal moment in my life. Growing up, I was shy and timid, and people in Bozeman made fun of me for being on a ranch. I thought, just give me a few years, and I’ll prove you wrong. That changed me forever. So, I want to say thank you to him.
The more you tell me that I can't do something, I will work myself into the ground proving you wrong.
Katelyn: Many things change in 10 years, so it’s hard to decide. Ten years ago, I wanted to learn how to AI my cows, and I crushed that goal. The amount of lessons you learn in 10 years, the amount of people you meet, and the path you choose to take is really going to set you up for life. Sometimes, you might choose the wrong path every once in a while, but at the end of the day, God knows where you are meant to be, he will get you there.
D: How did you get started with AI?
Katelyn: My dad used to AI all our cows. He suggested I learn because I have “skinny little
Katelyn's 411:
Instagram: @ katelynkohlbeck
Website: https://storeyherefordranch.com
Email: shr@storeyherefordranch.com
Facebook: @ storeyherefordranch
Katelyn with her dad, Chuck Kohlbeck
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 5, 2024
12 P.M. • NOON
Consignors Include:
Reed Stock Farm - Hampton, MN
Boettcher's Brookview Acres - Fairchild, WI
Starck Century Farm - Cadott, WI
Steiny's Herefords - New Lisbon, WI
Windy Hills Herefords - Roberts, WI
Sale Location: Jackson County Fairgrounds Black River Falls, Wis.
19-Oct Blackjack/ Pfeiffer Angus f Seminole, OK
19-Oct Bradley Cattle Springfield, MO
19-Oct Dixie Farms Angus Coushatta, LA
19-Oct Fink Beef Genetics Randolph, KS
19-Oct Fred Smith Company Clinton, NC
19-Oct Gerloff Farms Bland, MO
19-Oct Great Meadows Angus Assoc. Campbellsburg, KY
19-Oct Hansine Ranch online
19-Oct Lambert Ranch Butte Oroville, CA
19-Oct Linhart Limousin Leon, IA
19-Oct Mushrush Red Angus online
19-Oct Nowatzke Cattle Co. Michigan City, IN
19-Oct Rocking R Red Angus Bayard, NE
19-Oct Seldom Rest Farm Niles, MI
19-Oct Shaver Angus Norwood, MO
19-Oct Top Notch Angus Wheeler, TX
19-Oct Western Stockman’s Market Famoso, CA
19-Oct Whitestone Farm Aldie, VA
19-Oct Wolf Creek Farms Hawkinsville, GA
20-Oct Bloom Angus Farm Westville, IN
20-Oct Frank/ Hazelrigg Angus Fulton, MO
20-Oct Express Ranches Hereford Event Yukon, OK
20-Oct The Exclusive Vol. IV El Reno, OK
21-Oct Hinkle’s Prime Cut Angus Nevada, MO
21-Oct Kester Herefords online
21-Oct Maplebrook Farms online
21-Oct White Hawk Ranch Buchanan, GA
22-Oct 111 Farms online
22-Oct Byrd Cattle Co. embryo online
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22-Oct Straight Limousin online
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23-Oct Pine Tree online
24-Oct Edwards Land & Cattle online
24-Oct Jensen Ranch Louisburg, KS
24-Oct Oliver Angus-Southeast WYE online
24-Oct Roanoke Farm disp. Bernard, IA
24-Oct Rom’N Limousin online
24-Oct Western Video Market Cottonwood, CA
25-Oct Birch Creek Angus Ruby Valley, NV
25-Oct CK Cattle Hope Hull, AL
25-Oct Groendyke commercial f Jet, OK
25-Oct Hartley Creek Ranch Vinita, OK
25-Oct Hokie Harvest @ VA Tech Blacksburg, VA
25-Oct Sexton Genetics Okay, OK
25-Oct Yon Family Farms Ridge Spring, SC
26-Oct 7P Ranch Winona, TX
26-Oct 12 Star Angus Amite, LA
26-Oct 44 Farms Cameron, TX
26-Oct Bear Mountain Angus f Palisade, NE
26-Oct Cascade Spectacular Prineville, OR
26-Oct Janssen Angus f Earlham, IA
26-Oct Jamison Ranch Beggs, OK
26-Oct Lacy’s Red Angus & Polled Herefords Drexel, MO
26-Oct Ladies of the Royal Kansas City, MO
26-Oct Mead Farms Versailles, MO
26-Oct Mississippi Red Angus Raymond, MS
26-Oct Pennsylvania Fall Classic Waynesburg, PA
26-Oct South Texas Hereford Association Beeville, TX
27-Oct Able Acres online
27-Oct Celebrate Maryland Hereford New Windsor, MD
27-Oct Four Sons Cynthia, KY
27-Oct Ladies of Autumn @ Wall Street Cattle Lebanon, MO
27-Oct P Bar S Ranch Sand Springs, OK
27-Oct Perez Cattle Company Columbus, TX
27-Oct Schroeder Angus online
27-Oct Six’s Shorthorns Wind Ridge, PA
28-Oct Buck Ridge Cattle Co. Seymour, MO
28-Oct Dal Porto Livestock f Brewster, NE
28-Oct Oak Hollow Smiths Grove, KY
28-Oct TRM High Cotton Fort Payne, AL
29-Oct R&R Land & Cattle online
30-Oct SpringLake Angus disp. Lynch, NE
30-Oct Texas Hereford Assoc Buffalo, TX
30-Oct Wooden Shoe Farms Blackfoot, ID
31-Oct Marcy Livestock disp Chadron, NE
2-Nov Jungles Shorthorn Farm Kathryn, ND
2-Nov Rafter DP Farm & Ranch Enid, OK
3-Nov DJS Shorthorns Laurel, NE
7-Nov Edwards Limousin online
9-Nov Four State Shorthorn Assoc Diamond, MO
14-Nov Misty Morning Limousin online
17-Nov Farrer Stock Farms Royal Center, IN
17-Nov Greenhorn Cattle Co. Louisville, KY
19-Nov T4 Livestock online
23-Nov Butler Creek Farm f Lebanon, TN
30-Nov Boys From The South Lebanon, TN
2-Dec Vogel, Osterman, Shalimar online
10-Dec Gilman Shorthorns Stuart, IA
14-Dec Paint Valley Farms Millersburg, OH
Fall of 2024’s “ELITE GELBVIEH EVENT”
