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SEEDSTOCK STOCKMAN for The Stockman by B. Lynn Gordon photos courtesy Ryan Ludvigson
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February 2020
s a seedstock supplier, you have worked hard to build the genetic base of your cow herd, followed stringent selection criteria when selecting herd sires to infuse into your breeding program, and methodically maintained herd records. However, with ever-changing technologies and expectations, how can you continue to reach your goals and best serve your customers?
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“The seedstock supplier role has changed noticeably in the last five years from trying to produce the most bulls possible, to meet producer demand, and shifted to more significant involvement in all aspects of our customers’ business,” says Ryan Ludvigson of Ludvigson Stock Farms in Billings, Montana. “Seedstock producers must develop new programs and strategies to better
serve their customers’ needs and add value to their operations.” Ryan and his brother Park are fourth-generation suppliers of Red Angus genetics and market cattle across the nation at regional production sales with the main sale located in Billings. Ludvigson and his family have built a foundation as reputable breeders and marketers of top-quality genetics and were listed as the 9th largest seedstock producer in the U.S. in BEEF magazine’s 2019 ranking of Top 100 Seedstock Operations. “It’s certainly humbling to be in the top ten and we’re very appreciative of all our customers’ support. Our team views it as a huge responsibility to continue to improve the quality of our program to create more profitable genetics for producers while maintaining
core production traits like soundness, fertility, and longevity,” says Ludvigson. Ludvigson Stock Farms began in West Central Iowa and expanded in 2010 to include a cow herd in Lewiston, Montana. The family operation focuses on selling bulls and females in seven annual production sales in addition to private treaty offerings. Ludvigson has worked with hundreds of customers throughout his career, including serving as the Director of Marketing for Leachman Cattle Company from 1997 to 2000. During this role, he marketed thousands of bulls a year and worked closely with numerous cooperator herds.
KNOW YOUR GOALS “Vision is a critical component of building a successful breed-
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