Philosophy
We sell yearling Angus bulls to commercial cattlemen who, in order to be profitable, need cattle that don't require pampering. Therefore we don 't let our cattle hide behind an unlimited feed program. By making our cows graze until the snow comes, we can separate the good ones from the pretenders. To operate in this manner can be quite humbling. We have had certain bloodlines eliminate themselves. A numbers race is going on in the Angus breed -- EPDs. We have chosen not to participate. We use EPD's as just one portion of our selection process. EPDs have been a very useful tool in the art of breeding cattle. Yet there are no EPDs for measuring the three most important traits: fertility, longevity and efficiency. When we discover cattle that possess these abilities, we try to use them to better our herd. It doesn't matter what a cows EPDs read like if she is open , bad uddered, or a poor producer, she becomes hamburger not a donor cow.
We don't feel the need to have the most weaning weight. To do that requires additional expensive inputs. We find it quite comical how many purebred breeders talk about how great heir cow herds are, yet use creep-feeders and somehow justify it. We place our strongest emphasis and selection pressure on maternal performance, and we are particularly fussy about udders and fertility. It is quite enjoyable to hear compliments on how good the udders are in our cow herd. We have never used a bull without knowing what his mother and grand mother looked like.
In our quest to improve fertility, we breed our cattle totally on pasture. They don't receive grain, lick tubs, or supplemental feed. That is how our bull customers do it, so we do likewise. We want to have genetic fertility, not feed bucket fertility. Feed bucket fertility does not improve the next generation. Additionally, we do not use a bull until his mother has raised a calf every year up to at least ten years old. We like longevity. We are not interested in the turn and burn genetics that are available. Critics would say that keeps us from being on the cutting edge with new genetics. We say we are more interested in reliability that what is the hottest, newest promotion.
We realize our program will not appeal to every one. Being critical and demanding of our cattle will result in more satisfaction for those who purchase them. You are invited to call or e-mail us or stop in to visit. We would enjoy showing you what we have. |
Keith & Nikki Medalen, 7049 Willow Road,
Towner, North Dakota, 58788, ph 701-537-5548
e-mail -- keith@medalenranch.com
Flying 7