Middle Creek Ranch
Hereford Seedstock Genetics
Our mission is to produce functional efficient seedstock that will improve our customer’s herds and bottom line, we insist that our cattle perform and produce with minimal inputs. In short we manage our herd like most of our customers manage theirs. We select heavily for sound, easy fleshing, fertile cattle and cull hard on these traits. We do exhibit cattle at local, state and regional shows; mainly to display our program. Our cattle are working functional animals, not show cattle.
Our herd is based around three very strong cow families and the majority of the cows trace back to one or more of these cow families. By combining the genetics of our proven cow families with proven bulls, both horned and polled, we are able to produce uniform, consistent seedstock for our customers.
Over the past 20 years the trend toward black hided cattle has led the industry away from one of the best profit sources available; Heterosis. By using quality Hereford bulls on black cows our customers have increased hybrid vigor, fertility, pounds of calf weaned, selling price and most importantly profits. Black baldy calves qualify for two branded beef programs, Certified Angus and Certified Hereford beef, giving the producer additional marketing options.
At Middle Creek Ranch we utilize the following tools to constantly improve our genetics:
Our herd is based around three very strong cow families and the majority of the cows trace back to one or more of these cow families. By combining the genetics of our proven cow families with proven bulls, both horned and polled, we are able to produce uniform, consistent seedstock for our customers.
Over the past 20 years the trend toward black hided cattle has led the industry away from one of the best profit sources available; Heterosis. By using quality Hereford bulls on black cows our customers have increased hybrid vigor, fertility, pounds of calf weaned, selling price and most importantly profits. Black baldy calves qualify for two branded beef programs, Certified Angus and Certified Hereford beef, giving the producer additional marketing options.
At Middle Creek Ranch we utilize the following tools to constantly improve our genetics:
- AI – we use mostly older proven bulls and their sons
- Embryo Transfer – we only flush older proven cows
- Carcass Ultrasound – to reinforce selection for positive carcass traits
- Performance recording – AHA total herd reporting to measure all animals in a contemporary group
- Visual Observation – often overlooked tool, our cattle must be phenotypically sound and pleasing to look at