Prime-Time-Winter-2018

The COMMANDMENTS of a 10 SUCCESSFUL SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER

BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR

W hen it comes to successful seed- stock production, it is no secret that becoming successful doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an arduous process that requires hard work, dedica- tion, a willingness to change and adapt, as well as a commitment to excellence. Since 1895, the R.A. Brown Ranch has strived to build its own successful seed- stock business. Over the years, the Brown family built its herd to consist of more than 1,800 Angus, Red Angus, SimAngus and Hotlander (a four-breed composite devel- oped on their ranch) cattle. The family ranching business hosted its first annual production sale in 1974 and now hosts two production sales each year. Today, the fifth- generation of the Brown family has taken the reigns, and the ranch is now owned and operated by Donnell and Kelli Brown. Growing up on the ranch, and now run-

ning the business, Donnell Brown has had a front-row seat to witness and experience the ups and downs of cattle production, and he understands what it takes to be a suc- cessful seedstock producer. During the re- cent American Akaushi Association Annual Convention, Brown shared his 10 command- ments of a successful seedstock producer. Before a producer can seek success, Brown said there is one important ques- tion that must be answered – “What are your goals relative to your cattle business?” Once that question is answered, produc- ers can work toward building a successful business. Regardless of a ranch’s specific goals, Brown’s 10 commandments can help producers achieve the level of success they seek. For the R.A. Brown Ranch, the primary goal has always been to produce cattle that meet the needs of commercial cattle pro-

ducers, which is why Brown’s first commandment is thou shall always put the com- mercial customer first. While this likely comes as a surprise to many seedstock producers, it shouldn’t. The whole purpose of seedstock production, according to Brown, is “to produce bulls for commercial cattlemen that will help them raise better calves that make them more money.” The primary focus for every seedstock business should be

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2018

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