X-E Stock Ranch
South Devon Cattle Thrive in Central Washington
By Jo Dexter
Cattlemen do not often just find themselves in the seedstock business. But Lee and Connie Engelhardt have become South Devon purebred breeders not because they set out to, but because South Devon cattle have shown them the way to a more profitable cattle operation.
Owned and operated by the Engelhardt family, the X-E Stock Ranch is located in the middle of Washington State near Moses Lake. Lee and Connie along with their boys; James 18, Lane 14 and Chance 12, make their living in the cattle business. The X-E Ranch environment resembles desert country with 5 inches of annual precipitation in a good year. Engelhardts’ own 1,200 acres of which 720 acres are in center pivot irrigated pastures and hay fields.
The X-E brand has been in use since 1947 when Lee’s dad started in the cattle business near Cedonia, Washington. In 1984 Lee and Connie moved the X-E Stock Ranch operation to Moses Lake where they currently run 350-400 head of registered and commercial South Devon cows. They raise over 1,500 ton of hay each year to winter their cowherd. The X-E operation is a family one. The boys each have their individual interests on the ranch and help out. Connie and Lee are a team of 27 years, their friendship and dedication make the rest of the operation work.
Lee Engelhardt has been a cattleman all of his life. Growing up, he and his father raised Hereford and Black Baldy cows. Engelhardt attended Spokane Community College and has an associate degree in Animal Science. While attending college, he met Connie who holds associate degrees in Field and Crop Science, Greenhouse Management as well as Animal Science. They were married in 1984.
Why South Devon?
Engelhardts started out in the commercial cattle business with primarily Black Baldy cows and Simmental bulls as a terminal sire cross in a 3 breed rotation. Their herd had some problems which kept them looking for cattle that would perform better in the X-E ranch environment. “It gets very hot in our country,” says Engelhardt “We were fighting sunburned udders and cancer eyes and knew we needed to find a breed that would put some pigment back in our cattle but would also perform well maternally and on the rail.” Engelhardt wanted an English breed with continental characteristics. He researched cattle breeds and decided to try South Devon. In 1997, the X-E bought 100 head of percentage South Devon cows. Next they purchased 7 South Devon bulls from Ken Hille in Ritzville, Wa. “We were very pleased with the results of adding South Devon genetics to our herd. Not only did we fix our udder and cancer eye problem, our calf weaning weights increased--we were sold on South Devon,” states Engelhardt. In 1999, the X-E bought SB8103, a herd sire bred by Showboat Cattle Company at the Midland Bull Test. “We still have many cows in our herd that go back to SB8103. He helped our cattle program out tremendously,” says Engelhardt. Up until 1998 and 1999 the X-E were using South Devon in a breed-up program. Then Engelhardt purchased a small herd of 45 purebred South Devon cows.
A Seedstock Herd
South Devon cattle have worked so well at the X-E, Engelhardts have never looked back. Now the X-E Stock Ranch herd is 95% ¾ blood South Devon or better. They maintain registrations on 150 of their best cattle and continue to improve their herd. According to Engelhardt, “The key to profitability in the cattle business is matching your cattle to your ranch environment. We tried it the other way and it was a fight where we lost money and valuable time dealing with the problems associated with the wrong cow herd for our ranch.”
It has been about 15 years since there has been a Black Angus bull on the X-E. The change to a solid red cowherd, has added benefits. X-E cattle now have more longevity. “I will match my South Devon purebred cows against a Black Baldy cow any day,” states Engelhardt. He says many of their South Devon cows are staying in production until they are 14-15 years of age and that alone adds significant profitability to an operation. “When calving a large herd of cows with little help, good maternal traits are necessary. With South Devon you get exceptional maternal traits and the carcass traits come as an added bonus,” explains Engelhardt.
Making the Cut
Engelhardt manages the X-E somewhat scientifically. There is an old saying that “you cannot manage what you cannot measure”. Engelhardt weighs the fed hay bales and he expects his cattle to winter on 26 lbs. of hay/day. In addition the cows are expected to wean calves that are 55-60% of their mature body weight. “Our ideal cow is 1,150-1,200 lbs. The more calf she produces with less inputs or feed the better,” says Engelhardt. “I have fed many different breeds and crossbreeds of cattle. South Devon cattle maintain their condition and get by on less feed than any other breed I have managed.”
Calving season at the X-E starts the middle of February with the first calf heifers followed by the rest of the cowherd. All of the replacement heifers are synchronized and A.I.ed. “Our cattle are not pampered. We run our operation much like I always have-- as a commercial cattle ranch,” says Engelhardt. The X-E has 14 breeding pastures where cattle are sorted and placed 30 head or less to a bull. Bulls are out 60-65 days and everything left open is culled. Engelhardt has about 150 head of the registered cows that he will A.I. breed as planned matings.
In addition to a high level of performance, the X-E cattle are scrutinized at birth. Those with birth weights greater than 90lbs or less than 70lbs are planned culls. “We are breeding our cattle to have a bend in their growth curve with moderate birth weights, weaning weights above 600lbs, sound feet and legs as well as a docile temperament,” states Engelhardt. The X-E also often sends the feeder cattle from their commercial herd to a Nebraska feedyard where they are evaluated for feed efficiency and feedlot performance. Engelhardts’ retain ownership on their cattle in the feedyard when it is profitable and collect carcass data when it is available so they can determine the quality of the end product they are producing.
Herd Marketing
The proof of performance and productivity are in the profitability and sustainability of the X-E. “I am a cowman not a marketing professional,” claims Engelhardt. But, locally Engelhardt has developed a private treaty bull market where he sells 25-30 of his best bulls each year. He believes in building relationships with his customers and he stands by his word. X-E also participates in the Midland Bull Test. Engelhardt says, “I believe if you breed good cattle they sell themselves.” The seedstock business offers new opportunities and challenges for X-E. “We are still determining how much of our time and resources to dedicate to marketing our South Devons on a larger scale,” says Engelhardt.
Looking Ahead
In the future, the X-E plans to continue to improve the quality, productivity and functionality of their South Devon herd. “When it is all said and done, I hope to have developed an industry leading South Devon herd that is genetically sound and capable of supporting my grandchildren or another family,” states Engelhardt. “I believe the biggest benefits of South Devon cattle are their docility, heterosis and longevity.”
Will the X-E eventually have a 100% purebred South Devon cow herd? Engelhardt is not sure. However he feels strongly, that in order for a breed to survive there has to be genetically sound purebred herds available to help the cattle industry maintain a diverse genetic base. The X-E is focused on breeding cattle that perform well in their ranch environment with profitability. “We will stay with what works best on our ranch and stay away from industry trends,” explains Engelhardt. “The English F1 cow is a good start in the commercial cattle industry, but I believe a South Devon bull is needed to produce a superior crossbred calf”.
Colby Community College Adds South Devon to Program
The Colby Community College located in Colby, Kansas recently added South Devon to their beef program.
“We were looking to take the direction of our beef program to allow students access to managing a purebred herd, and possibly exhibit and market those cattle at a national level,” said Dr. Marcy Ward, beef program director. “The South Devon breed seemed to fit our goals, all while meeting the needs to improve our commercial herd.”
“We market most of our cattle as processed beef to the local community. Though we get rave reviews about our beef quality, we still lack growth and size of rib eye to offer a truly premium product,” said Ward. “Utilizing South Devon in our commercial herd should help improve these issues.” We will use our pure bred South Devon’s to help maintain a base for our commercial herd, she said.
“When students enroll in the Farm and Ranch Management Program at Colby Community College, they receive not only a quality education, but also gain hands on experience learning the day-to-day practices of a working beef herd,” Ward commented. “Not only do students learn to feed, breed, and calve out cows, but they are also introduced to the latest technology.” The Colby Community College utilizes electronic ID, ultrasound for both carcass and reproductive evaluation, and the latest in estrus synchronization techniques. They are also looking to acquire the latest in health management software.
“Understanding the business aspect of the cattle industry is emphasized as much, if not more than basic animal husbandry,” said Ward. “We want students to appreciate the importance of marketing for maximizing profit, and the advantages of operation diversification.” Colby Community is looking to expand our Beef Marketing Team. Students involved in the project will help prep cattle for the show and/or sale ring for not only cattle owned by the college, but also for customer cattle.
“From the other end of the industry, we will be offering a one-year certification program in Feedlot Technology,” Ward noted. “We will train students in all areas of a working feedlot. We have partnered with nationally recognized feedlots to insure participating students will be able to take quality internships to gain on the job experience and future employment.”
Colby Community College (CCC) is located in Colby, Kansas. For more information about the CCC program log on to www.colbycc.edu.
Cattlemen Stand Behind South Devon Regional Performance Impressive
By Kelli Chrisman
South Devon cattle have been time tested for mothering ability, milk and docility, pounds of performance and production of tasteful tender beef for 100’s of years in England their native country and in 1969 through 1974 a portion of the genetic pool was exported to North America where cattlemen continue to appreciate the special attributes of this mainstream breed.
Commercial cattlemen and purebred producers in a variety of regional areas throughout the U.S. and Canada are utilizing South Devon in their crossbreeding programs to increase heterosis, thereby increasing pounds at weaning and productivity in the feedlot and for the beef retailer. “The adaptability of the breed to perform in many different types of environments and their ability to offer similar performance to continental breeds make them an English crossbreeding alternative,” said Dar Giess, World South Devon Society president and owner of DarLynn Cattle Company, Pierz, MN. “South Devon can and will play an important role in the commercial industry because of their ability to increase heterosis.”
Roy Davis and his wife Moppy raise nearly100 head of commercial cattle at Grassy Creek Ranch located in Southeastern Texas in the town of Navasota. Their herd began as a grade group of cattle and since has developed into Brahman and South Devon cross cattle. Roy purchases purebred South Devon bulls from Oklahoma and has done quite well with this cross. Most of his cattle are three-quarters South Devon, while some are half bloods.
The Navasota area experiences extremely hot and humid summers with temperatures upwards of 100 degrees, along with about 80% humidity. Additionally, they receive about 40 inches of rainfall per year. Davis thinks South Devon cattle do really well in this type of environment and the ranch has one of the only South Devon herds in the area.
Grassy Creek Ranch participates in the Texas A&M Extension Ranch to Rail program, where they retain ownership of their steers and receive feed efficiency and carcass data on their cattle. Grassy Creek’s cattle have done very well the last few years, with their data sitting in the top 10% of all participants’ herds.
Davis says, “I retired and we moved to our place in Navasota and one of the great things about South Devon cattle is that they are very easy to handle and you just don’t have trouble with them. We can do all the work ourselves.” Moppy adds, “Being in our late 60’s, we enjoy working with the cattle because they are so gentle. I have driven up beside our bulls in the pasture and sprayed fly spray on them without a problem.”
From the plains of Texas to northwestern North Dakota, the praise for the adaptability of South Devon cattle continues at the Dahl Land & Cattle Company located in Gackle. A commercial cattle and seed stock operation, operating for over 55 years, with nearly 200 head of South Devon cattle Jack Dahl, past president of the NCA and a recent recipient of the North American South Devon Association Hall of Fame award was introduced to the breed by a friend in Nebraska 35 years ago. Later another friend of Dahls was buying South Devon bulls from South Dakota and bragged to him about the breed, so Dahl decided to try South Devons. He purchased some semen and artificially inseminated some of his females. Now about half of his herd are registered South Devon and the other half are commercial crossbreds.
Dahl discovered South Devon cattle excel in a number of areas. He has been particularly impressed with their good disposition, maternal qualities and the carcass traits. Dahl believes by adding all the great South Devon qualities together, a producer, in turn, has an animal that is more profitable.
Another cattleman who found the traits of the South Devon breed to be profitable is John Grande who runs a commercial cow/calf operation near Martinsdale, Montana. He uses South Devon as one of three breeds in a rotational cross. Most of his cattle are one-quarter up to five-eights South Devon. Living in the foothills, with elevations of 5,200 to 7,000 feet, average rainfall of about 16 inches and severe, snowy winters can be tough on cattle. Grande has found that South Devon cattle perform well in these conditions.
Grande began using South Devons in his herd 10 years ago. He purchased his first South Devon bulls from the Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Montana. Since Grande retains ownership on most of his cattle, he strives to raise cattle that will perform in the feedlot and on the rail. The environment at the Grande Ranch requires cows that are able to climb hills and graze the whole pasture, instead of grazing primarily on flat lands and by water. In order to be profitable Grande needs cattle that will cover some ground and make use of the entire offering of grazing land.
The Grande Ranch is concerned about mature cow size. However, the ranch typically has plenty of grass and they are able to run larger cows than some range operations. Grande likes to have 1,300-pound cows—he feels they work best in the ranch environment. To the Grande Ranch crossbreeding is important. Heterosis adds muscle and pounds at weaning as well as contributes to carcass marbling. Crossbred cows also have increased fertility with more bred and fewer open. Grande says, “South Devon are not as heavily muscled compared to the continental breeds, but they are the better of the British breeds.”
Grande Ranch cattle are primarily sent to two feedlots. One is Darr Feedlot in Cozad, Nebraska and the other is Solaris Feeders in Miles City, Montana. Finished steers are marketed in May and June while heifers not retained for breeding are usually finished for the November/December market. When Chris Knudsen of Darr Feedlot was contacted he only offered positive comments about Grande Ranch cattle. “Grande cattle show good performance, good confirmation, are easy to handle and take right to the feed. They finish slightly ahead of the other cattle on feed. Grande cattle are ‘kind of the ticket,’” says Knudsen. “These cattle get right to business after traveling from Montana to Nebraska and we don’t usually have any problems with sickness.” Knudsen finished by saying, “Let’s put it this way. If Grande is ever looking for a partner, one of us is ready to jump.”
For the last 12 years, Lee Englehardt, has also found that South Devon cattle have been profitable for X-E South Devons located in Moses Lake, Washington a purebred and commercial cow/calf operation. The ranch has over 200 head of registered South Devon cattle as well as half and three-quarter blood South Devon Angus Simmental cross cows. Each year Englehardt holds back replacement heifers and about 20 bull calves. Additionally, he feeds around 150 head of steers at North Platte Feeders in North Platte, Nebraska.
X-E South Devons is in the center of Washington, where the climate is high desert, and they only receive about 5 inches of rain annually. The South Devon cattle do well in this environment and they also thrive in the local mountains. In fact, Englehardt says, “these cattle adapt to our ranch environments better than any other breed.”
Englehardt is also impressed with the longevity of South Devon cattle. Most of X-E’s cows live to 13 years of age and are still producing quality calves. Additionally he strongly approves of the breed’s maternal abilities. Englehardt says, “I haven’t pulled a calf in years.” The ranch is able to get 97% of his cows bred back every year without any problems. Finally Englehardt emphasized how docile South Devon are—explaining that even if the cattle ran on pasture all winter, they remain gentle.
When asked about successes in the feedlot, Englehardt replies that his cattle always have high yields and better carcass quality--equaling more profitability. In 13 ½ months he can get a calf from birth to harvest. The breed grows and converts feed really well, also generating a higher profit. Englehardt says, “South Devon cattle are the most complete, most bulletproof, as I call ‘em.”
South Devon–Exceptional Beef, Making an Impression
By Jo Dexter
An unexpected market has evolved for cattlemen. Protein diets are all the rage, beef consumption is up and steakhouses have a nightly waiting list. Consumers are seeking unconventional beef. One of the hottest issues in the cattle industry is national animal identification and BSE. The flurry of press and discussion of “Mad Cow Disease” has created consumer concern for beef safety. As a result, new marketing opportunities are developing for producers selling high quality beef straight from the farm directly to consumers. It is comforting for buyers to know where their beef is raised. Not to mention, most retail stores carry select beef, and many consumers seek higher quality beef with better taste and tenderness. There is a profit-making opportunity with direct marketing cattle. You have fewer costs in getting the product market ready and can set a higher price for product that is higher in quality with value the consumer demands.
It Sells Itself
Within the South Devon breed alone, there are many success stories where operations are beginning new meat business enterprises and have trouble keeping up with consumer demand. Bud Burgess, South Devon breeder from Colorado has been selling beef to people in his community for 30 years. He never had much business until he started selling South Devon beef in 1990. “Before our product was inconsistent in quality, taste and tenderness—so we sold only a few head. Last year we sold 78 head for beef and never had to promote or call anyone,” explains Burgess. Burgess starts calves on a back grounding ration right after weaning and uses corn silage, alfalfa hay, oats and corn to feed them out. The beef is sold by the 1/4, _, and whole based on the hot carcass weight and is aged 14 days prior to cutting and packaging. When asked what if any comments he has had from customers about his beef, Burgess replied, “I had a customer in Denver tell me that they would buy our beef no matter what it cost.” Burgess believes that South Devon cattle have a unique ability to marble well (high quality grades) and yield well (consistently over 65%). Most cattle breeds can only offer one or the other of these carcass characteristics. “We are pleased with our cattle from a maternal, performance and carcass standpoint. We will continue to feed more calves and try to meet the demand for our beef program,” says Burgess “ I think two things are important when developing a beef program. First, genetics are critical, secondly, corn fed beef is what the consumer wants.”
A Superior Gift
At the Double RL Ranch Tom Harrington, manager spends most of his time managing the near 900 head of cattle owned by Ralph Lauren, designer of high quality clothing. During the holiday season, Harrington also oversees the delivery of 200 specially packaged boxes of South Devon steaks to Lauren’s select people. Harrington says, “If you are on Lauren’s beef gift list than you are important to him. He considers his gift of South Devon steaks a very special treat and so do the recipients.” Harrington often has requests to buy more of the beef but the only other outlet for Double RL Beef is at Lauren’s Chicago restaurant. Harrington often has people tell him that they do not want to eat steak at even the best restaurants because it does not compare to Double RL Beef. Last year they put 500 calves on feed and they were all used by either the restaurant or during the holidays for gift boxes. Most of the calves are Angus South Devon cross. Harrington says, “They perform unlike any other cattle that I have managed. The cows have maternal traits that are essential in our large herd and weaning and carcass performance that has increased our profitability.” While Lauren is not interested in building a beef business, South Devon beef from Double RL Ranch has an important role in his businesses.
Taste The Difference
The 3SDJ Cattle Company in Minnesota got started breeding South Devon Cattle because of their disposition. “We wanted a herd of purebred cows that the kids would be safe working around,” says Don Brammeier, owner. In 1995 they started selling South Devon Beef and now they sell 40 head a year. “Selling beef is easier than selling breeding stock--especially South Devon beef,” states Brammeier. We only sell purebred or full blood animals from our farm, and we have never had any complaints about our beef. “In fact, it amazes me but we have people drive 6 hours to come and pick up their beef each year,” says Brammeier. They feed their calves a ration of corn and byproduct from distiller grains. 3SDJ does not have an organic certification on their beef but raise all their animals as organically as possible. All the beef is sold by word of mouth and priced by the hanging weight. Brammeier explains that his butcher noticed the quality of beef right away and convinced him to keep the same breeding in his herd. Advice for those starting out Brammeier says, “Just get started-- as soon as people taste it they will buy more and know of someone who will also want to buy your beef.” In fact, Brammeier has a meat buyer that was working on a job with him and some other men. They decided to cook steaks for dinner. Everyone asked if Brammeier supplied the steaks and he said no. One of the men purchased beef from Brammeier before and he was convince that the steak were from 3SDJ Cattle. Finally the man who brought the steaks revealed that he had gotten the steaks from Brammeier. “No matter how much we tried to bluff this man, he could taste the difference and knew the steaks were from our farm, “ states Brammeier.
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Tips in Developing Direct Marketing Beef Business
- Know your beef – what makes it better than beef available in other markets such as grocery stores.
- Decide who your customer is
a. Within a certain geographical area
b. Are they health conscious or concerned about food safety?
- Develop a name for your beef business and write a brief story telling why your customers should buy your beef.
- Price your beef knowing that consumers will pay more for:
a. High quality
b. Natural or Organic
c. Assurance of beef source
- Stand behind your product - one bad consumer experience can ruin your business.
- Word of mouth will be your best marketing tool.
- Start small and grow your business.
- Visit www.ams.usda.gov/
directmarketing for more resources in how to begin direct marketing your beef.
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Conception to Digestion
Windmill Meat Company, Gouverneur, New York is a fully integrated meat business where they manage breeding, feeding, processing, retailing and even cooking. They get calls daily requesting meat for everything from events and fundraisers to family freezers. “We are a mini IBP with a cooker added on, “ says Mike Vandenberg, owner. He along with his wife Michelle makes a living from their meat business and livestock farm. Predominately an Angus breeder, he found in his meat shop, customers were not getting reasonable yield or muscling from straight Angus cattle. A bull sale flyer talked about South Devon Cattle providing both marbling and high yields. This along with disposition is what convinced Vandenberg to by his first South Devon Bull in 1998. The breeding must be working. Now Vandenberg sells 50 head of South Devon Cattle a year and is constantly in need of more supply. “I would be able to sell quite a bit more product if I had the animals,” says Vandenberg. This year he is beginning a cooperator program with bull buyers. He plans to buy back first choice of calves from many surrounding small herds and increase his South Devon beef availability. Unlike the West, Windmill Meat Company has a concentrated population of people to market to. They occasionally use newspaper advertising, but word of mouth has been their best promotional vehicle. “Additionally, we have a diverse market here in New York,” explains Vandenberg “We sell both grass-fed and corn fed animals.” At Windmill Meat Company they have found that most customers want lean hamburger and well marbled steaks. South Devon breeding is working to meet the expectations of their customers “Our customers always comment on how delicious and tender our beef is. They even brag that our beef can be cut with a fork,” says Vandenberg. Between their willingness to participate in all phases of production and the advantages of their location, Vandenbergs seem to be on their way to building a bigger business. They have plans to increase their cattle herd to 100 head, further develop their cooperator program and continue to grow the meat business.
These are but a few of the successful direct-beef marketing businesses in the South Devon Breed. Whether it is Colorado, Minnesota, or New York South Devon beef is in demand and making a lasting impression on those who eat it. Breeders have a unique opportunity to take advantage of exceptional South Devon genetics and profit from a growing number of consumers who are seeking a safe, local alternative to beef offered in large retail stores.
