Introduction

When the ranch was under Dana Hellen’s control, the principal cow herd consisted of cross-bred (originally known as “Tiger-stripes,” now called Brahman X Hereford F-1) bred to Hereford bulls.  One herd of purebred Hereford cows was pastured separately, although Dana declined to keep registration records.

In 1993/1994, Dana’s health had begun to fail and Dianne arrived on the scene.  Dealing with a man who was independent, shared no information, and resented interference resulted in several sensitive hurdles.  After a couple of false starts, Dianne, with help of a group of hired cowboys, managed to gather most of the cows, get an inventory and make some decisions about future changes.

Since Dana’s long-time foreman had passed away, he had not found reliable employees.  The cattle and the ranch were in need of serious attention.  Andrew Rossi joined Dianne in the management and Ramiro Cremar came on board as the foreman.  The first order of business was to sell old bulls, replace them with young bulls, and cull inferior cows and calves.

The first registered cows purchased in 1995 were American Red Brangus.  The herd has grown and provides a source of bulls sold to commercial ranchers for first calf heifers.  Calf birth weights are consistently low with rapid gain.  This breed is an early maturing, disease resistant and very easy keeping.

In 1996, the first Brahman heifers were bought and bred to Brahman herd bulls from well known bloodlines.  The Gray and Red Brahman herds have grown and improved through through selective breeding, AI and embryo transfer. 

After several interesting experiments, including the use of Longhorn bulls on first-calf heifers, and Beefmaster bulls on mature cows, the commercial program evolved into crossing the Commercial cows with Charolais Bulls.  The resulting calves have been the mainstay of the ranch survival.

With the growing herds of both Hereford and Brahman cattle, we introduced a second commercial program of F-1 (Brahman/Hereford) calves.  Demand for the Brahman influence crossbred females has been consistent for many years.