We raise registered black Angus cattle in southwest North Dakota
2. Where did you grow up?
I grew up 9 miles west of Regent on the original homestead. My Dad was born there. My parents still live on and operate at that location.
3. Introduce us to your family/team at the ranch
We are a family run ranch, and 3 generations of us work together. My parents, Archie and Diane. My wife Anne and I and our 3 children – John and Jake and Molly. We hire extra help for AI and calving, but for the most part it is us.
4. Update us on your kids
John is 23 and is on the ranch full time. He is a really hard worker and likes to work behind the scenes. He does most of the feeding in the winter, and enjoys the farming side of ranching: cutting hay, trucking grain and hay, field work. Jake is 20 and is also on the ranch full time. Jake is extremely excited about genetics and Angus cattle in general. For the first time ever we are flushing 2 of our top females and implementing Embryo Transfer, due to Jake. Jake’s favorite seasons are calving and AI. Molly is a senior in high school with plans to attend U Mary in Bismarck next year for nursing. She plays volleyball and basketball at New England High School and we enjoy watching her play. Molly does most of the vaccinating when we work cows and calves, and is great help horseback too.
5. Describe your program to us
We run registered Black Angus cattle in a commercial setting. Our cattle are moderate framed and easy fleshing with good performance. This type of cattle suits our environment and our customers. We feel that if they do well for us, they will do well for our customer just the same. We calve out between 700-800 head, beginning with the heifers the first week in February. The cows are soon to follow - due the first week in March. We operate on over 10,000 acres of native grass, tame grass, mixed hay, spring wheat, winter rye, corn and oats. 150 bulls are sold at our annual Top Cut Bull Sale the last Saturday in January. It is one day that takes the other 364 to prepare for. The females we sell in the fall private treaty.
6. How did your ranch get its name?
My parents' ranch location is next to HWY 21, on section 21. Anne and I also live on section 21 in a different township.
7. What is your favorite tool on the ranch? My pliers. I don't leave home without 'em.
My Pliers, I don't leave home without 'em.
8. What's been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Weather. It’s something out of our control and not always cooperative. In the winter - we have barns for calving, use a lot of straw and windbreak. If it is below zero during calving, the new calves need to be inside for 24 hours. Once they dry off good, they are pretty tough and do well with plenty of clean straw and windbreak. Receiving enough rain is always a worry in SW ND. If it’s dry, we have to rotate pastures more frequently. We put up all of our own hay, so drought is always our biggest concern.
9. What was your first real job?
I worked for a garbage company in Wahpeton during college at NDSCS in 1990. I was paid $5/ hour which was 25 cents above minimum wage.
10. How did you decide on Angus?
Calving ease, growth, strong maternal instincts. They are moderate and fit our environment well.
11. What do you think about today’s cattle industry?
Beef is a protein that the whole world demands. World population increases daily, which brings great opportunity for the American rancher to provide this safe and nutritious food. People pay a premium for USA Beef and I believe the demand will only increase.
12. So many ranches have closed in the last 20 years, what can we do to keep today’s cattlemen in business?
Every year presents a new challenge. Learn from it, grow stronger and don’t get discouraged.
13. What would you tell the politicians in Washington if you they could hear you?
Less government.
14. How can local governments do better regarding the cattle industry?
Here in ND we are proud of our local cattle associations and think they do a great job. We like their conservative approach. The North Dakota Stockmen's Association is excellent with sending emails and keeping us informed with the latest government agendas. We appreciate that.
15. Favorite cut of beef and how do you like it cooked?
Ribeye – grilled to medium. We are fortunate to have freezers full of our own beef, and Anne is a good cook and enjoys it. If we want a night out close to home, the Golden West Bar in New England grills an unbeatable steak.
16. What industry organizations do you support?
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, North Dakota Angus Association, American Angus Association.
17. Tell us about any mentor(s) you’ve had along the way
My Dad Archie and Anne’s Dad George. Both are 3rd generation ranchers in southwest North Dakota and they have been through decades of ups and downs. I really can't put into words how fortunate I am to have them. They are both humble and working with good, common sense. Family is the most important to them; they are men of faith. I look to them often for guidance.
18. What do you do to get away from it all?
Over the 4th of July we enjoy several days on Lake Sakakawea at my parent's cabin. We fish and boat. A few of Anne's siblings and their families join us and the cousins look forward to that time together every year. The 5 of us work together every day, so that time to play and relax is super important.
19. Ford, Chevy, Dodge?
We like them all, but do prefer a Dodge for pulling.
20. What’s left on your bucket list?
Travel to Maine and Alaska.
21. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Maintaining an active role on the ranch and watching the 5th generation advance.
21. What advice do you have for young, up-andcoming ranchers?
Keep a strong work ethic, be conservative and stay positive. Be receptive to change and new technology. Look for the good that comes out of the bad. Have faith and trust.
