Hosted by Glacial Ridge Cattlemen
By Brooke Roberts, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association
As the sun came up over the hills of Clear Springs Cattle Company pairs of sleek, black cattle greeted Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Summer Beef Tour attendees. Jim and Twyla Wulf and family’s ranch served as the headquarters for the 37th annual tour, hosted this year by the Glacial Ridge Cattlemen’s Association.
The tour was preceded by business meetings for the Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) on Monday, July 10th. A burger bar made a delicious lunch.
The day concluded with the MSCA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraiser, which supports the election of pro-agriculture candidates for state office. Supporters enjoyed beef brisket sandwiches and a boat cruise on Lake Minnewaska.
Tuesday morning brought over 1,000 farmers, agriculture industry professionals and community members to Clear Springs Cattle Company. A new monoslope barn housed the trade show and dining area, while overlooking fourteen busses ready for seven tour stops.
Located south of Starbuck, Minnesota, Clear Springs Cattle Company led off the tour. The Wulf family raises registered Simmental and SimAngus cattle and shared about their prairie restoration projects, cover crop utilization, and spring-fed water tanks.
The Anderson family of Highland Acres Cattle raises registered Simmental cattle founded on SimGenetics from nationally renowned breeding stock. Show cattle were displayed in their new calving facility.
Bakko Brothers, Inc. is a premier dealer of Haybuster engine and trailer mount tub grinders.
A stop at the Reed family’s Bar J Ranch featured their K-line irrigation system, registered Angus and Lowline herds and an average steer weight-guessing contest.
Attendees also learned about public grazing lands under government ownership and how local cattlemen make use of these opportunities. A forage demonstration showcased haying equipment.
Between stops, a beef lunch was provided, as well as cookies celebrating the Minnesota Beef Council’s 50th Anniversary. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” crew also attended to highlight the event on future episodes.
After busses returned, the day wrapped up with a beef steak dinner, courtesy of Tyson Fresh Meats.
Next year’s MSCA Summer Tour will be hosted by the Cottonwood Cattlemen’s Association on July 10th, 2018 in Windom, MN.