Diamond H Ranch: Breeding Quality Seed Stock for Profitable Herds

Diamond H Ranch: Breeding Quality Seed Stock for Profitable Herds

Diamond H Ranch, located in Victoria, Kansas, is a family-owned operation founded by Justin and Jade Herl in May of 2007. Starting with just 20 head of cattle, the Herls have steadily grown the ranch over the years with a focus on breeding high-quality genetics and producing dependable seed stock. Today, the ranch is home to 200 pairs, and they also have a commercial heifer buy-back program.

The Herls are dedicated to breeding superior genetics, implementing hybrid vigor, and getting the female right first. They believe that by focusing on the mother's abilities and maternal traits, they can create the most dependable and profitable matings. Sire selection is important, but great females can make just as much of an impact on profitability. The ranch's breeding program evaluates mothering ability, foot and udder structure, milking ability, feed efficiency, disposition, and fertility, in conjunction with the best genetic evaluations in the industry, to produce the best offspring possible.

Hybrid vigor is a key component of the Diamond H Ranch's breeding program. While Red Angus is the foundation of their herd, the ranch also implements a systematic crossbreeding program with Simmental to create balanced animals that can fit multiple scenarios and environments. They believe that the usability of hybrids can be very profitable by accessing the free tool we have in the industry – "heterosis." Through the ranch's ET program, technology allows them to multiply the genetics from their best females and provide larger, more consistent sire groups than conventional methods of AI and natural breeding.

The Diamond H Ranch focuses on raising their cattle on grassland in the summer and keeping them there for as long as possible. The cows are expected to go to work, raise their calves, and have them heavy and ready for weaning in the fall. The ranch's crossbred female continually proves herself with increased fertility, efficiency, and longevity, making them profitable for commercial programs.

The Herls encourage ranch visits, especially around sale time. While they provide as much data as possible, they believe that good "ol phenotypic evaluations are just as important. They strive to provide their customers with the best seed stock they can while building long-term relationships along the way. Genetic improvement and customer satisfaction remain at the top of their priority list.

In conclusion, Diamond H Ranch is a family-owned operation dedicated to breeding high-quality genetics, implementing hybrid vigor, and getting the female right first. The ranch's focus on raising cattle on grassland in the summer, along with their commercial heifer buy-back program, makes them profitable for commercial programs. The Herls encourage ranch visits and strive to provide their customers with the best seed stock possible. With a focus on genetic improvement and customer satisfaction, Diamond H Ranch is a go-to source for profitable herds.

Justin & Jade Herl
410 370th Avenue
Victoria, KS 67671
(785) 623-8404
Website

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