Flashback Friday: Commitment over the decades
What’s he up to today?
Running more than 800 mother cows near his Paradise, Kan., home, along with keeping his hands in the seedstock and feedlot industries.
Back in 1991, Stielow was featured in the article “Proof Positive,” which discussed how his faith in the Angus breed was proven through quality genetics and the EPDs to back them up.
He still scrutinizes the genetics he brings into his herd to ensure he can maximize efficiency in all aspects of his operation.
“Since our operation is from conception with embryo transfers and selling seedstock to other producers to harvesting in the feedlot, we’re not focused on one particular genetic trait, or one particular phase in beef production,” he explains.
Stielow has found success in more moderate genetics that are adaptable to his area.
“We don’t maximize yearling EPDs; we found that those tend to produce daughters that don’t work in those rough situations and probably aren’t as efficient in terms of weaning calves per pound of cow,” he says. “We are looking for a more moderate form of yearling EPD than we were 20 years ago.”
He produces cattle that will be successful in the pasture or on the rail. By keeping a closed herd that only brings in new bulls, Stielow can closely monitor the genetics that he has, how they succeed and what he can do to improve his herd in the future.
Moving forward, he looks to refine his genetics and continue to learn more about EPDs and any other new technology that may “come down the pike” that will help improve his herd.
For more about Ken Stielow and his advice on growing a consistent, quality Angus herd, be sure and check out the rest of the story in the January 2013 edition of the Angus Journal.
And keep checking on our Flashback Friday thread as we revisit folks from CAB past to see what they’re up to now.
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