Genetics

 As I’ve mentioned more than once, we take exceptional care of our cattle. Just like people, a healthy lifestyle—good nutrition, plenty of water, and regular movement—is only part of the equation. Genetics matter too. Unlike humans, where we don’t exactly run our husbands through a full panel of tests before breeding, we do get that luxury with our bulls. We invest heavily in understanding genetics and hand-select our bulls—or opt for artificial insemination (AI) with top-tier semen—from lines known for performance, temperament, and desirable traits. These genetics are backed by data, including birth weights and PAP scores (to ensure they’re high-altitude tough), but we don’t stop at numbers. We also value physical conformation and consistency in our herd’s build and look—yes, much like choosing a husband, we have a “type.” We retain only the best heifers that reflect those qualities and match them to bulls we’ve personally selected for their superior traits. This balanced approach to science and stockmanship helps us maintain a powerful, productive, and good-looking Black Angus herd. Now, that’s not to say a neighbor’s bull hasn’t occasionally jumped the fence and introduced us to a bright-eyed, longhorned red cow named Lucy—but hey, what kind of ranch would it be without a pet or two? Each year, we typically AI our replacement heifers with low-birth-weight sires to reduce calving complications, which helps us and our heifers get through the season with fewer assists and more success.