Why BGF

We realize there are many quality seedstock providers within several breeds that can be utilized in your genetic purchases. We simply want to be a consideration for you based on our comprehensive, progressive approach to breeding Hereford cattle that are docile, maternal and sound while offering quality and value in each segment of the production chain. Commercial producers operate in diverse environments, production systems and marketing scenarios-therefore breeding cattle with a strong genetic foundation and versatility is important to us.

Breeding Tools

Artificial Insemination/Embryo Transfer

The majority of our cows are bred AI on natural heats early in the breeding season, either to outside or our own walking bulls. Typically, we collect new sires rather than insuring them to have semen inventory on hand.

Ultrasound Carcass Scanning

Although it is handy to have Shari assess carcass measurements as a technician, it was done prior to her involvement in the operation. Both yearling bulls and replacement heifers are scanned, with the more important sex likely being females that will stay in-herd and provide the genetic foundation for years to come. We feel strongly about trying to create better beef for the retail/food service sector and ultimately consumer. Breeding Herefords with larger ribeye’s, enhanced marbling and maintaining backfat within reason are critical to optimize carcass value and improve feeding/packer perception.

Genomic-Enhanced EPD’s

We are one of the few, if only, operation that provides genomic-enhanced EPD’s on each bull to sell. The primary advantage of GE-EPD’s is to increase the confidence in the genetic merit of young, unproven cattle. This makes us and our customers more comfortable in selecting bulls to do the job intended. Moreover, mandatory parentage verification provides pedigree integrity and abnormality status is determined.

Horned\Polled Test

Another important genetic test is to determine polled/horned status. Hereford cattle can obviously be homozygous polled, heterozygous polled or homozygous horned. Making sure the customer knows which applies to their bull is important in creating breeding outcomes suitable for their management and preferences.

Performance Data

The Canadian Hereford Association has genetic evaluations based on 11 traits-all of which we measure to create benchmarks of where our cattle perform relative to the breed population and optimize the information and therefore accuracy of our genetics. These traits include: calving ease, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, mature cow weight, udder suspension, teat size, scrotal circumference, ultrasound backfat, ultrasound ribeye and ultrasound percent intramuscular fat.

Passion & Education

Hereford cattle have been part of BGF since 1967, with Lance growing up with the breed-having both sets of grandparents founding Hereford operations. Realizing where Herefords are positioned in the seedstock industry is paramount to determining strengths to build on and weaknesses to address in offering a commercially relevant animal. To provide this perspective we think education and experience are extremely valuable. Shari has a diploma in Agribusiness from Lakeland College and underwent training to become a CUP Certified Carcass Ultrasound Technician. She travels across western Canada to assess carcass merit in most breeds, which provides a valuable opportunity to see many operations and cattle each year. Lance has a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science & Industry from Kansas State University, after transferring from Dodge City Community College. He then obtained a Master of Science Degree in Animal Breeding & Genetics from Virginia Tech. He was a member of Livestock Judging Teams at Dodge City and K-State, while coaching teams at Virginia Tech. He continues to evaluate livestock across Canada each year and has judged shows in the U.S., Denmark and Australia. Avoiding complacency and bias in how our breed is perceived and positioned within the beef industry provides motivation to improve and encourage producers to see the value of continuing or beginning to incorporate Herefords genetics.

Customer Service

We try to develop strong relationships with those who have supported us. Attempting to visit purchasers, aside from simply delivering the animal, is something we strive for each year. We try our best to find cattle that fit the objectives of each producer if they are willing to reach out before purchasing. Returning strong quality and value for the dollars spent on our genetics is important, so we provide several opportunities to give back.

Repeat Buyer Discount

2% off the Purchase Price for anyone that has previously bought in our Bull Sale

Volume Buyer Discount

3% off the Purchase Price when 2 or more bulls are bought

Cull Bull Credit

$250 off the Purchase Price of a new bull, when evidence of sale for a cull bull is provided prior to the sale

Deferred Payment Plans

Although many utilize a December sale from a tax standpoint, if you are in a tough spot and wish to defer a portion of the purchase price-we are certainly willing to work with you and individualize a plan that works best for you.

Bull Replacement or Reimbursement, NO CREDIT

We avoid issuing sale credit because we feel it potentially “holds you hostage” in a scenario you may not be comfortable with or find necessary if set for bull inventory. The reality of a December sale is that the bull calves are still immature and haven’t yet been semen tested. Circumstances beyond our control can arise, so if a bull isn’t suitable to breed-we will either find a replacement bull and make a cash adjustment if necessary or simply reimburse the purchase value of the bull should you prefer.

Horned/Polled Genetics and Yearling/Two Year Old Bulls

One reality in our breed can be strong opinions on age and horn status amongst breeders and purchasers. Therefore we try and cover the bases to open as many marketing avenues as possible for our genetics. The earlier born, more mature bull calves are typically sold in the sale to use alone, on heifers or in a multi-sire pasture with more mature bulls-while capitalizing on the latest genetic influence and having a potentially longer service life. The later born bull calves are typically sold as coming two-year olds where they have underwent a greater degree of their development and are able to service a larger number of females initially.

Learning Award

The BGF Beef Cattle Learning Award was founded in 2015 after the passing of Buddy Leachman, to support the education of young people through opportunities of their choice related to cattle. Initially, a boy and girl each year were provided $1500 which has been used in a number of ways. Rather than be based on scholastic achievement, the recipients were chosen by a panel of 5 and based on character and passion for the industry.

We have chosen to alter the award to more intimately benefit those who have directly supported our operation. Going forward, for each bull that is purchased through our sale-the buyer will receive two nominations for youth ages 7-25 that could benefit from funds for a beef cattle learning related purchase. These nominations could be used on the individual, children, nieces/nephews or simply young people believed deserving of assistance. Upon receiving two nominations for each bull sold, we will simply draw three names of young people who will each receive $1000 to be used as they desire. Although it must be related to cattle, this money can be used on a 4-H project, a new breeding animal, agriculture education, attendance at seminars/workshops, for attendance at exhibitions, etc.