Restarting a legacy

Visiting the J-D Claypool Ranch in southern Oklahoma, near Ringling, I saw such history. The original Dillard Ranch was established in the late 1800s, before Oklahoma was granted statehood.

As I visited with Tom and Seane Jones, the pride was evident. The photos from Seane’s father’s herd in the 1950s and National Western Stock Show champions were as expected. But the couple is not carrying on your typical ranching heritage.

Multigenerational ranching operations may be fewer today, but certainly nothing new. Most transition with equipment, cattle, land and buildings to maintain the family business. But in this case, continuing the legacy meant starting from scratch.

Seane’s grandfather Josiah Dillard established the ranch, and cattle were still the focus as her father, James Dillard, inherited the land and formed the J-D section of Dillard Ranch. Seane is one of six daughters, and the only one who still owns and runs cattle on a portion of what is now the J-D Claypool Ranch. After Seane’s father passed her mother and sisters continued the business, but over time the focus shifted. When Seane and Tom returned in 2007, there were no cattle.

They used their knowledge of horse racing pedigrees and genetics, applying it to how they evaluate cattle.

“We chose Angus as the base of the herd because of the market and consumer appeal,” Seane says. “From there we’ve just worked around the facts the data supplied.”

They use EPDs and genomics to evaluate the purebred cattle and GeneMax™ DNA test results on the commercial females to gather as much data as possible. Their quick adaptation to the technology and strict culling brought much progress in a few short years. The Joneses don’t keep any replacement females that score less than 90 of 99.

“Most are surprised when we tell them the cattle are new to the ranch,” she says. “Many work on the land and cattle for a long time to see the results we’ve seen. When you rely on the DNA and not only your eye, you can make progress toward a realized goal faster.”

Genomics provide increased accuracy in their quest for “the right genetics and right formula,” Seane says.

The Oklahomans may have started with a blank slate of genetics, but with their approach to balanced selection and use of modern technology, the future of the J-D Claypool Ranch looks strong. Cattle are again thriving on this land and poised to last another 100 years.

~Katy

Industry Information intern Katy Kemp is currently pursuing a master’s degree in ag communications from Oklahoma State University.

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