Zybach Angus Receives Certified Angus Beef Progressive Partner Award

Steve and Joy Zybach were honored at the brand’s 2025 Annual Conference in September.

by Briley Richard, freeland writer for Certified Angus Beef

September 29, 2025

At Zybach Angus, no ounce of cattle care is up for question. Their motivation for this level of dedication to their Angus cattle is simply love.  

“It’s not always an easy lifestyle, but it’s one of the best there is because I love being with the cattle and working, and just the rural atmosphere,” says Steve’s wife and top hand, Joy. “There’s just nothing like it.” 

An equal driving force is the fulfilment of moving ahead and lifting others along the way.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Steve says. “And there’s always room to help people.”  

That dedication to wider progress earned recognition as the 2025 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Progressive Partner.

A Shared Passion 

Zybach Angus is exclusively run by power couple Steve and Joy. The two complement each other’s work. Joy takes feeding, daily rounds and administrative duties—practically a jack of all trades.  

“I don’t really doctor calves,” she says, knowing when to call reinforcements. “If something needs to be doctored, that’s where Steve comes in.” 

The resident cow man makes all the mating decisions and uses the Zoetis HD50K test to support his selections with genomically-enhanced EPDs. The science only confirms much of what he already knows by instinct. He can pick out his favorites in a sea of black hides.

“He’s been around cows all of his life,” Joy says. “His parents tell stories of them having to go out and find him, and Steve would be in the corral with the cows.”  

The operation conducts one female sale and two bull sales annually, together with a few local ranchers. But the preparation is continuous. 

“Every day is sale day,” Steve says. “They’ve got to look the part so if some guy calls tomorrow, our cows are good enough and nice enough looking, we can sell them.”  

Creating Opportunity 

Not only does Steve have a knack for cattle, but for helping others, too. When he saw an opportunity to serve the Texas Angus Association (TAA), he jumped in to play a role in moving the needle forward.  

“The first year I was on [the board], I didn’t say much,” he recalls. “After that, I decided, if you’re going to be on this board, you better make a difference.”  

So he dove in headfirst, identifying the need for more ways to make commercial cattlemen money. And he acted on it, implementing feeder calf sales in conjunction with special sales at various auction barns across the state.  

“It’s just another way to expand the avenues of the commercial guy to make more money,” Steve says, though the effects are felt at both ends of the market. “It’s also for the breeders to be able to merchandise their bulls and help their customers come back and return the favor.”  

The TAA encourages use of AngusLink^SM paired with other value-added programs to garner more profit. And so far, TAA Angus feeder calf sales beat all other sale opportunities.  

“I’ll be the first one to say, ‘I don’t think we can beat this price in Oklahoma or Dalhart or wherever—’ and so far, I haven’t had to eat those words!”  

Steve’s efforts aren’t about building a name for himself, but building something others can count on, especially those often overlooked. 

All are welcome, he says, but the focus is on those with smaller herds because “they’re kind of the ones that get a little more neglected.” These sales allow those who can’t support their own production sale to market their Angus genetics for a premium.  

“It’s just to help people,” Steve says. “The market’s crazy right now, but when that market drops—and it always does—we will have our operations in place and those guys will hopefully come to us and let us help them.” 

Radale Tiner, Texas regional manager for the American Angus Association, highlights the excitement Steve helped drum up in the state.  

“He’s sparked momentum that’s gotten commercial cattlemen genuinely excited about participating and marketing high-quality Angus genetics,” Tiner says. “The seedstock business works best when the commercial guy sees value in the bulls they’re buying, and Steve’s helped bring that full circle.” 

Progress With a Purpose 

The Zybachs progression is fueled by a fear of complacency. 

“If you don’t continue to push the envelope, you do get a little stale,” Steve says. “We want to keep enthusiasm for Angus cattle going forward.” 

That’s what keeps Steve and Joy striving for more.  

“I help everyone if I can,” he says. And with that top of mind, the cattle business will keep progressing a little more every day.

Find the original story published in the October 2025 Angus Journal.

You may also like

Cross Cattle Company earns Certified Angus Beef Canadian Commitment to Excellence award

The Cross family was recognized at Certified Angus Beef’s Annual Conference in September.

by Courtney Weekley

September 29, 2025

At Cross Cattle Company, every decision starts with one question: how do we raise Angus cattle that meet the highest standards?

In the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, brothers Austin and Malcolm Cross are building on a century of family history on this land. Today, they’re raising Angus cattle that not only perform in the harsh environment but consistently sets the bar for beef quality.

That dedication has earned Cross Cattle Company the 2025 Certified Angus Beef Canadian Commitment to Excellence award.

Double Down on Quality   

In much of Canada’s cattle industry, the focus often lands on pounds and size rather than premium beef. The Cross family leads with a focus on quality from the start, with clear intentions to raise cattle that perform well in the pasture and consistently meet high standards for carcass merit. 

“We raise our cattle with the best intentions,” Austin says. “If they’re not gaining, we’re not doing our job.” 

They select genetics to improve and complement their maternal strength and terminal performance, aiming to produce calves that hit the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand and Prime targets. That’s a rare feat here, where regular carcass data is scarce and quality grades can be an afterthought. 

Without frequent feedback from packers, the Crosses rely on historic results, visual appraisal and a disciplined bull selection strategy with seedstock programs aligned to their quality goals.  

“Our main selector for bulls is EPDs. Appearance matters, but not as much as producing better calves,” Austin says. “Good data helps us weed out weaker bulls and steadily improve the herd.” 

Just down the road, the Crosses work closely with their trusted local seedstock provider, Cudlobe Angus. The brothers’ father, Bill, has sourced bulls from them since 1986, building a partnership that feels like family. 

This combination of phenotype and performance drives their breeding decisions, helping them raise calves that consistently meet high-quality standards. 

While their ancestors raised Herefords, Shorthorns and Galloways, the Cross family made a clear choice to focus on Angus for its proven efficiency, adaptability and consistent carcass quality. 

“This is the perfect place for a cow to live,” Austin says. “The land isn’t meant for crops. It’s meant for cattle. And Angus work here.” 

Of Grass and Water 

The Crosses know cattle need resilient land. Native prairie grasses with roots reaching 10 to 15 feet deep give the land a natural advantage during drought by accessing moisture far below the surface. 

“Native grass does better than invasive species, especially when drought hits,” Malcolm says. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone. You can’t just buy seed from somewhere else and expect it to thrive here.” 

Still, drought remains a challenge. To adapt, the Crosses have shifted management, grazing their grass reserves for a while before feeding their cattle more heavily through winter to keep them in optimal condition. 

Rotational grazing and long rest periods let the land recover while cattle return vital nutrients to the soil. Chinook winds, warm dry air descending from the Rockies, melt snow quickly and make winter grazing possible even in the coldest months.  

Equally essential are the spring-fed water systems. In a region where dugouts freeze solid and ice chipping isn’t sustainable, gravity-fed springs funnel water into tire troughs. The setup is simple and effective, even at -40°C. 

“The springs are the bread and butter of the place,” Austin says. “You can go without grass for a while, but you need water. That’s the difference between making it and not.” 

Family First 

The grit behind Cross Cattle Company comes from its family roots. Austin and Malcolm grew up with the harsh realities of ranch life: droughts, tough seasons and the discipline to prepare for the unknown. 

While the brothers lead the operation, their parents have stepped back to give them space to lead. Malcolm’s wife, Sam, also supports the operation and raises their young sons Talon and Steel, already dreaming of the day they might carry on the family legacy. 

“Family is everything,” Malcolm says. “And with her support, I’m able to do this. She’s right there, every step.” 

The Cross family knows their hard work honors the past and builds a future for generations to come. 

“We want to build it bigger and better,” Austin says. “It’s a lot of sacrifice, working extra hours, missing out on things. But at the end of the day, it’s not just for us. It’s for the generations that come after.” 

The Crosses doubled down on Angus because they know quality starts with care. Every decision reflects their commitment to the land, the cattle and the future they’re building for the next generation. 

You may also like

“With all the technology and tools that we have at our hands today, you can have it all,” Jordan Willis says. “But you still need to be a cattleman and you still got to have an eye for cattle.”

Six generations of Willises have made a living on their ranch lands in Wyoming and Utah. But only the last two have turned out Angus cows.

“We always bought the best genetics we could possibly afford,” Jordan’s mom, Linda, says. “With Angus, we felt that we got the quality and the production we wanted.”

For Willis Ranch, the best Angus cattle thrive in the high desert and produce calves that can become productive replacement females or high-quality carcasses.

Their decades-long and successful mission to produce truly premium beef earned the Willis family the 2025 Commercial Commitment to Excellence award from Certified Angus Beef (CAB). They were recognized at the brand’s annual conference in September.

Developing the herd

Brothers Jordan and Jed manage the Angus cows while James grows crops that feed the cattle. Jordan’s wife, Jennie, provides support, whether it’s feeding the crew, running errands, hauling bulls or her favorite job, baling hay.

Jordan is always learning new tricks of the trade by attending meetings and trying new programs to stay on the leading edge of what’s new, Jed says.

In their search for genetics that meet their checklist, they found a seedstock partner in Basin Angus in Montana and began buying bulls there.

Jordan likes maternal, well-rounded cows to work in their high desert environment. Not only is she raising replacement heifers, but also the calves that carry carcass merit to qualify for the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand.

The Willises rely on available tools for what the eye of a stockman can’t measure, such as expected progeny differences (EPDs) and DNA testing. For 13 years, Jordan has used GeneMax^® Advantage™ to select replacement heifers. These tools are his means to a highly marketable calf crop—whether he’s selling heifers or feeder calves–and a premium end product.

Taking tissue samples at branding allows time to get data back, analyze it and use that information chute-side during preconditioning and sorting calves at weaning.

Every year, calves are better because of their investment in tools like GeneMax.

“My theory is that it takes as much grass or feed or resources to feed a poor animal. You may as well have a good one,” Jordan says.

Following a marketing plan

The females are bought by Noble Ranch in Colorado to be developed into bred heifers. Ryan Noble, commercial rancher, and Jordan met through Basin Angus.

“Between the elevation challenges, long, tough winters and sparse range conditions in the summer, every cow is tasked with bringing home a calf that will get on a truck and go out to add value to whomever buys it,” Noble says. “It’s a daunting challenge, but Willis Ranch seems to have put all of the pieces together.”

Noble says he buys a lot of heifers from several states, but when other cattlemen stop to visit, “it seems like we always take a few extra minutes to look at the Willis heifers because of the obvious quality and uniformity.”

The steers are marketed with AngusLink^SM at weaning. They enroll in the AngusVerified^SM and Genetic Merit Scorecard^SM (GMS). While AngusVerified guarantees calves are at least 50% Angus (sired by a registered Angus bull), GMS describes genetic potential for a group of feeder calves. It bridges a gap between buyers and sellers, giving their customers insight into how calves should perform at the feedyard.

“So many cattle are sold on video auctions,” Jordan says. “How do you distinguish yourself from the others? AngusLink provides that tool.”

Recent carcass data from multiple calf crops representing more than 1,500 head revealed the Willis calves achieved 52% Prime and 94% upper 2/3 Choice.

Not by chance, but by a deliberate and consistent drive to produce a highly desirable product.

“The market isn’t always going to be this great,” Jordan says. “And you need to keep moving your herd forward because when the market goes down, you’re going to need the cow herd and the programs to make ends meet.”

It takes everyone

The Willis family is blessed by numbers. The days they move cows are a sight—nine young cowboys and cowgirls atop their horses (or four-wheelers) peek out above the sagebrush.

While the ranch has grown in quantity and quality, their “why” is the same.

“We love cattle, love family, love being ranchers, love helping people and taking care of people,” Linda says. “And cooking dinner for them even.”

They feed a big crew but know their daily work puts beef on many family tables.

“When other moms are at the grocery store, I hope they look for the Certified Angus Beef logo and they take that home to their families and feel like they have bought something really, really delicious and nutritious for their family,” Jennie says.

They want to provide the same thing for their family. That’s why it’s important to hit a high target, like CAB, Jordan says.

When the target moves higher, they’ll adjust to meet it.

You may also like

Maplecrest Farms Receives Certified Angus Beef Ambassador Award

The Grimes and Hall families were recognized at CAB’s annual conference late September.

by Morgan Boecker

September 29, 2025

Good partners drive successful businesses.

At Maplecrest Farms, Joanie Grimes and her family have forged relationships across the supply chain, aligning their high-performing Angus genetics and customer-first mentality to elevate both their businesses and the breed. The outcome? A reputation for trust, quality and an unwavering commitment to the cattle industry.

Joanie, with daughter Lindsey and her husband, Adam Hall, raise registered Angus cattle with two primary goals: producing high-quality seedstock that perform well in a wide variety of environments and ensuring end-user satisfaction.

Their unique position brings together opposite ends of the supply chain—promoting everything from high-quality Angus genetics to the Certified Angus Beef ^® brand with partners and consumers—and earned them the 2025 CAB Ambassador Award. They were recognized at the brand’s Annual Conference in September.

Champions for the breed

Joanie’s late husband John had a teacher’s heart, and his favorite topic was Angus cattle.

Whether cattlemen he met had 10 head or thousands, he understood everyone’s part and shared those insights with his family.

“The one thing he was never willing to sacrifice was quality,” Lindsey says. “We weren’t ever going to cut corners. We have to take care of our customers, treat them with respect and always teach.” 

In 1998, Joanie and John road tripped across Kansas, which led them to change direction at Maplecrest Farms. What started as 40 cows has grown and expanded to an Angus seedstock business with more than 300 cows.

They’ve also broadened their customer base.

“Folks in our region want their cows to look good, but we also understand and respect the bigger picture and our role as registered Angus breeders in the beef production chain,” Lindsey says. “It’s a delicate balance and you have to be very disciplined.”

Patient study of pedigrees, examining how cattle are built and then choosing careful mating combinations has paid off. 

“There’s some thought in the industry that you can’t have both,” Joanie says. “John was very successful in breeding cattle that not only produce Prime carcasses but also are very fine individuals that you are proud to look at in the front pasture.” 

A growing connection

Hillsboro is only three hours from the CAB office and in closer proximity to many brand partners. The family is always willing to attend food shows to represent Angus producers and share how cattle are cared for on the farm. They also host CAB ranch days throughout the year.

After dozens of tours, Lindsey says the biggest surprise is when guests realize the science and technology ranchers use. They walk through the barn and see the semen tanks and where embryos are kept. They show them where cows are flushed and then bred using in vitro fertilization

“Those are things they can relate to because they understand from a human perspective,” Lindsey says. “It’s so fun to see their faces light up because they had no idea we use the same technology.”

Being ambassadors for CAB has shown them that everyone has a role in the beef supply chain.

“Even though we’re at the beginning of the production chain, we’re always thinking about the restaurateur and foodservice distributors and how the decisions we make at breeding affect the eating experience they deliver to their customers,” Lindsey says.

And ultimately, the success of both their businesses.

From farm to fork

In the spring of 2021, they launched Maplecrest Meats, a direct-to-consumer meat business. 

The new store not only gave Lindsey a larger role with the family business, but it also gave them another way to work with their customers to source beef. They tap into a supply of calves, still using Maplecrest genetics, to source a wider variety of ages for the store year-round. This also gives their local bull customers another market for their feeder calves, Joanie says.

To be successful, they needed the right partner. That’s how they became one of the first CAB Ranch to Table™ licensees.

Maplecrest Meats also gives them a direct avenue to engage and talk with consumers.

“When we tell people our story at the store, one of the things we tell them is that everything that is in that freezer and every mama cow and every bull we own has had a 23andMe test,” Joanie says. “They kind of look at you [puzzled] and we tell them how we know genetically what makes them up.”

They test DNA for each animal and submit phenotype and performance data to the American Angus Association. For years, this improved their cattle; now it’s helping their store succeed and grow.

All that work done today will be enjoyed on someone’s dinner table years down the road. Realizing that, they’ll always be strong ambassadors for every step of the beef supply chain.

You may also like

Tehama Angus Ranch Receives Seedstock Commitment to Excellence Award

The Borror family was honored at Certified Angus Beef’s 2025 Annual Conference.

by Briley Richard, freelance writer for Certified Angus Beef

September 29, 2025

Stretches of orchard flash by in rows. Tucked into a horseshoe of mountain ranges, sunbeams cascade across a landscape more known for celebrities and coastlines than diverse farmland. 

But on a quiet stretch of Northern California rangeland, a different story unfolds. The Borror family’s legacy speaks through the cattle they raise, the ground they steward. The generations who’ve made a life here demonstrate commitment to doing things right, even when no one is watching. 

“We don’t take it lightly,” Erin Borror says. “We are gifted with this land to be stewards of it, not only for our generations, but for everyone around us as well.”

This attitude applies to every aspect of Tehama Angus Ranch. For that, and their dedication to high-quality Angus genetics, the Borror family earned the 2025 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Seedstock Commitment to Excellence award. They were recognized at CAB’s Annual Conference in September.  

Early Transitions

With humble beginnings, William “Bill” Borror, set the foundation decades ago with his passion for cattle. Not a salesman by nature, he believed the cattle should speak for themselves. He relied on data and visual appraisal to make selection decisions. That same quiet approach carried through to his son Kevin, and now his grandson Bryce, who serves as herdsman.

“Dad focused on the cattle,” Kevin says. “The cattle were his dream, and his passion was raising the best cattle that he could.” 

Now in the role of mentor more than manager, Kevin recalls his own transition into leadership years ago, following a family pattern.  

“My dad took over from his dad at a younger age, and I took over from my dad at a younger age. So I’m letting Bryce take over for me at a younger age.” 

Bryce hit the ground running, paying attention to where the cattle live and what they consume nearly as much as the cattle themselves. The operation makes use of its diversified crops by converting walnut and almond hulls into supplemental feed and growing much of its own forage. Summer rotational grazing on irrigated pastures ensures the land that supported this family for more than half a century is well-equipped for generations to come. 

“These pastures have been planted for 50 or 60 years,” Bryce explains. “We try to keep our land in the best shape we can by refreshing it and protecting it.” 

Balance by Design 

Bryce has embraced his role with a focus on data-driven genetics and customer results. Tehama Angus Ranch hosts an annual bull sale, serving a customer base as diverse as the region. But in the high desert or down on the coast, there’s one thing they’re all looking for: balance.  

“Our customers are looking for balance-trait genetics,” he says. “They’re looking for bulls that’ll sire a really nice set of replacement females. So when we add in some carcass traits, that returns more to them when they go to sell their calves.” 

Striking that balance means selecting genetics with strong maternal traits and solid carcass value, both tied to customer profitability. The CAB Targeting the Brand™ logo has become an invaluable tool for aligning their cattle with expectations. 

“Our customers’ main goal is to hit CAB premiums and get rewarded for those carcasses,” Bryce says. “Targeting the Brand is the easiest way for us to bring out bulls that meet those specifications.” 

For two years running, 62% of their bulls have earned the logo, sending a clear signal to customers. 

He adds, “Having that information so that they can flip through a sale book and say, ‘This is what I’m trying to shoot for,’ and then make sure it meets the rest of their requirements for their environment.” 

Since most of their customers sell calves on a video sale, having a reputation for data-backed consistency is crucial. Whether it’s weights from start to finish, ultrasound or genomics, the Borrors not only collect vast data, but use it as a tool to help customers.  

“We provide most all the information that’s out there,” Bryce says. “We prioritize that for both ourselves and our customers. If we don’t share what we collect, then it’s just all a waste.”  

That deep understanding of customers results in repeat business. The closed cow herd builds their reputation for consistent quality. 

“Most of our customers are repeat customers,” Bryce says. They expect similarity over the years, “but as we make improvement, they’re going to make improvement.”  

A Lasting Impact 

This theme of tenacity and thoughtfulness led to Tehama Angus Ranch earning the 2025 CAB Seedstock Commitment to Excellence award. For a family that doesn’t ask for recognition, it is meaningful. 

“It’s truly an honor,” Kevin says. “And for my father, it’s well deserved. He’s put his heart and soul into these cows.”  

From Bill to Kevin to Bryce, three generations now tend Tehama land, with likely more to come. For the Borrors, the goal isn’t reinvention but staying true. True to the cattle, true to the land and true to what got them where they are today. 

Find the original story published in the October 2025 Angus Journal.

You may also like