The_Ledger_fall_2018

Shea Esser, Esser Family Livestock A Commitment to Raising High-Quality Livestock with a Passion for Service BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR

I t was 2004 when the Esser family purchased their first Aberdeen cattle – two open heifers from Fairwyn Farms. Since then, the Bloomington, Wis., operation has grown its herd to 45 Aberdeen cows, largely Mod erators with a select number of fullbloods. For many years, the Essers maintained a dairy farm be fore selling the cows and moving to a small acreage. “We wanted a breed that we could expand with on our small acreage, and Aberdeens fit the bill,” Shea Esser explains. “Their docility, easy fleshing ability, functionality, stocking rates and beef quality were what really made us consider the breed.” Esser Family Livestock is a true family operation. Shea’s wife, Madeline; parents, Pat and Kim; and brother, Cordt, each contribute to the operation in their own unique way. Over the course of the past 14 years, the Essers’ pro gram has made great strides and evolved from the hobby it started as to include a more rigorous breeding program. “Our cows have a type and kind, and work in many facets of the industry,” Esser says. “We strive to produce problem-free cattle that have a lot of longevity. Udder qual ity, fertility, docility and fleshing ability are traits that we largely focus on.” Aberdeens’ ability to moderate frame size and improve carcass traits and quality is the driving reason the family continues to raise this breed of cattle. Esser admits Aber deens are not “the one-stop-shop to the commercial beef business,” but says “they are an important tool in the belt that more should consider.” “The nation’s cow herd, in general, is too large in frame size, and our breed offers the solution,” he adds. The operation is focused on raising high-quality breed ing stock that impacts its customers’ bottom lines, and Esser is proud of their passion for serving customers. “We do our very best to make sure that our customers’ purchases are exactly what they are looking for and suit their needs,” he says. “Our success is dependent on their success. We build relationships with people, not just make the sale.” Esser has been around Aberdeen cattle for a large por tion of his life and had the opportunity to serve on the

inaugural American Junior Aberdeen Association (AJAA) Board of Directors (what was referred to as the American Low line Junior Associa tion at that time). He served on the Board from 2008 to 2015. Although he was excited to run for a position on the Board, when it came

time to fill out the application, Esser had some reserva tions. “At the time, I was under the qualified age, we had no name, five cows and knew hardly anyone,” he says. Thanks to some encouragement from his mom, Esser completed the application and was elected to a position. That experience taught him a valuable lesson, which was to “always believe in yourself and what you think is right.” Being an AJAA member was a rewarding experience and one that has had a lifelong impact on Esser’s life. He en courages all youth to get involved in the association, or any youth organization. “The youth associations in the cattle industry are some of the best out there,” he says. “I strongly encourage every junior to take advantage of the opportuni ties they present.” Involvement in a junior association, such as AJAA, teach es many valuable skills – networking, teamwork, public speaking and more. Esser is confident that participation in AJAA will give young people a solid foundation and propel them to a bright future. “Members don’t even know that what they are participating in is helping to mold their skills to make them some of the best youth in the nation.” Through his involvement in AJAA and the American Aber deen Association, Esser has built many friendships. “These cattle have taken me across the United States and helped me build relationships with countless numbers of breed ers,” he says. A testament to the solid friendships built over the years, many Aberdeen breeders celebrated with Shea and Mad eline at their Sept. 15, 2018, wedding. “We would like to thank each and every one of them for their well wishes.” TL Shea and Madeline share a love of Aberdeen cattle.

Esser Family Livestock exhib ited the Supreme Champion Full blood Aberdeen and Grand Cham pion Fullblood Bull, FCC Night Shift, at the 2017 Houston Interna tional Aberdeen Show.

Shea Esser and his family raise Moderator and fullblood Aberdeen cattle on their Bloomington, Wis., operation.

14 | THE LEDGER