Medalen Ranch is located 7 miles north of Towner, North Dakota, along the Mouse River.

Our cattle herd has grown from what started as an FFA project in 1980, with three heifer calves. Since then we have purchased additional females from Oak Lane Angus, Gartner-Denowh Angus, McCumber Angus and Cole Creek Angus Ranch and have been keeping our own replacement heifers. We have been on AHIR since 1983 and the CHAPS program since 1988. In 1996 we began testing our cattle for carcass traits using ultrasound technology. We sell 25-30 registered heifers and 30 yearling bulls each year as we continue to grow. Our cattle are managed very much like the commercial herds in our area - on grass and hay with no silage, lick tubs or creep feeding. We want our cattle to be able to work anywhere by being tough on them here. We try to expose genetic weaknesses before they are passed on.

Our Quarter Horse operation was incorporated into the ranch when we married. Nikki grew up on a Quarter Horse Ranch and took over the mares when her dad, Chuck Leonard, passed away. All but a couple of mares are own daughters or granddaughters of AQHA Champion Twist Your Eyes. "Twister" earned his Superior in Pleasure and his AQHA Championship in 1982, as a three year old, with 15 halter, 56 pleasure and 16 heeling points. His disposition was impeccable and he passes it on to his get and grandget. Our focus is to produce performance horses with outstanding dispositions, athletic ability, train-ability and eye appeal.

We like to sell our horses private treaty - giving the purchaser the opportunity to view the sire and dam, and allowing them to see how these horses are handled every day. We do consign to sales around the state and participate in the Dakota 50/50 Futurity and Sale to promote our herd.

Visitors are always welcome!