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and graduated college with a degree in animal husbandry. I became a medical doctor, practicing medical oncology/ hematology in Great Falls for 33 years, and now work part- time. This field of medicine and the registered Angus business converged in similar ways at the same time - through genetics. Our understanding of cancer has taken quantum steps forward as science "unraveled" genetics (pun intended). The same occurred in our understanding of Angus genetics. Although environment and management certainly play a role in raising quality cattle, so does our understanding of genetics. We now can use genetics to predict everything from calving ease to weight gain at different stages of life, fertility to docility, foot soundness and the ability to tolerate high altitudes, carcass characteristics to profitability at different stages of life, and even to meat tenderness and taste. In short, the pursuit of this business is largely related to genetics, my own and that of the cattle. How many employees do you have? We typically have three or four employees and the same number of family members contributing to the work force at different times of the year. What is unique about your business? From a distance, our family values and heritage have led to our longevity. Closer up, our attention to raising quality Angus that provides buyer convenience, profit, and satisfaction sets us apart. Biggest success? Bringing breed improvement tools to bear while maintaining economic stability. Biggest challenge? The number one challenge is probably market change, with all its variables, including politics. Other challenges include environment (especially weather), finding dependable and quality labor, and managing production costs. Plans for the future? Continued evolution of our practices: further use of the evolving genetic tools and learning techniques to use the tools, e.g. artificial insemination, embryo transplant, use of sexed semen, estrous synchronization, and use of technology to monitor location and condition of individual animals. Adapting all these resources to produce and raise cattle with a balance of traits. We plan on maintaining our registered herd numbers and growing the commercial herd, all while improving the environment and our management techniques. Anything else? LLR represents a very important industry in Montana, converting land/forage often not suitable for other uses to high quality food and byproducts for human consumption. We accomplish all of this while enhancing the evolving resources and tools at hand. Article by Grant Harrer 39 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org F E AT U R E D Q & A Photo provided by Lost Lake Ranch Photo provided by Lost Lake Ranch