Farm406

19 farm406 When his grandfather and father began Herzog Farms, they grew primarily wheat and barley. "Back then, the government regulated how much wheat you planted, so they planted barley for mostly feed," recalls Courtney. "This prompted my dad and grandpa to get into the hog business. They figured it was better having the barley walk off the farm than be hauled off." Over the years, the Herzogs quit the hog business and focused on their cattle herd. "We started growing our cattle herd about 15 years ago when a neighbor expressed the desire to get out of cattle," says Courtney. "We bought his herd, rented his grass, and kept building our herd." The Herzogs have always had Angus-cross cattle. In the past, they used Simmental bulls on the terminal cross cows, but Don Herzog decided he liked the muscle better on the Charolais bulls, says Courtney. They have used Charolais bulls since. Previously, the Herzogs purchased replacement heifers, but then decided to raise their own. "We have working cows, nothing fancy, but we knew what we wanted for a mother cow," says Courtney. "It's easier said than done to breed for those traits." The slower pace of cattle breeding has proven to be challenging. "In the hog business, you see the changes quicker," Courtney explains. "With cattle, you get one chance a year. It takes a lot longer to see the change." The Herzogs are breeding for a medium-framed cow that will perform on minimum inputs with little assistance in calving. The Herzogs have been raising Angus-cross cattle for 66 years. Courtney Herzog and his family live on the Three Cross Ranch (above), one of three family ranches managed under the Herzog Farms corporation. The three families meet monthly to discuss farm operational needs and plans "so everyone is aware of what needs taken care of," Courtney explains. "We couldn't do what we do without the help from our families and friends."

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