 | Wilson Ranch raised Hereford cattle predominantly until the late 70's when Red Angus bulls were purchased to use on heifers. A Red Baldy replacement herd was started by using the Red Angus bulls on select groups of mature cows. Realizing that crossbreeding increased weights and developed more efficient cattle, the Wilson's decided to incorporate a third breed. |
| In 1980 Wilson Ranch purchased their first South Devon bull from the University of Nebraska Bull Test. The South Devon breed was used in a three way cross until the mid 90's. In the mid 90's South Devons were crossed with Red Angus bloodlines to make a two-way cross as Hereford bloodlines started to be weeded out. Since that time, Wilson Ranch has developed a genetic program based on top quality efficient cattle, that perform in the pasture, feedlot, and on the rail. The development of the Wilson Red came with the turn of the new century. Wilson Reds are any animal with Wilson Ranch genetics that are at least half-blooded Red Angus. |  |
 | Being in the cattle business for close to 120 years, Wilson Ranch has been able to use time-tested methods that have proved successful. Performance data has been kept on all cattle for over 35 years. Cattle are culled heavily to ensure that the highest quality animal remains on the ranch. Calving has been moved back to late April and all calves are fence-lined weaned and maintained on meadows before being placed in the backgrounding lot on the ranch. The feedlot calves are fed a formulated light growing ration until they reach a certain condition and set weight. They are than sent to a commercial feedlot, where ownership is retained, or to the local sale barn. |
| In order to consistently improve the genetic base, the Wilsons have used A.I. for over 15 years. The first calf heifers are synchronized and bred to low birth weight calving ease bulls. An elite group of approximately 250 head of Wilson Ranch cows are A.I.ed to some of the top bulls in the Red Angus and South Devon breeds. These genetics include: Julian, Lancer, No Equal, Schuler No Equal, Cherokee Canyon, Combination, DLC Royal Lad, Cimarron Superior 442, Rambler, Romero, Above and Beyond, Hustler, Silver Bullet, Epic, Nebula, Vacation, and many others. |  |
 | Private treaty bulls are raised on the ranch to sale or to be used back in the program.
Thanks to all of our buyers in 2007. A big thank you to Scott and Kim Ford, Cross Diamond Cattle Co. for purchasing our Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic heifer consignment and Jeremy Poss, Elba, NE for purchasing our NCC bull consignment. Look for our consignments in 2008 at the Cross Diamond Production Sale, Bertrand, NE or contact us at the ranch for private treaty yearling and two year old bulls. |
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