“Each generation has had their unique spin on how to manage the ranch, with different approaches,” Alex Hart says. “We are becoming 21st century agriculturalists, promoting the good work ranchers and land managers do, taking care of the landscape sustainably.”

Fink Beef Genetics owns about 200 head of mother cows. Each of those, presumably, raises about one calf per year. Yet, somehow, in 2023, the Finks managed to sell more than 600 bulls carrying their herd’s genetics to customers across the country.

As the agricultural industry continues to provide higher yields using fewer resources, innovation and improvements made on family operations drive the changes necessary to feeding an ever-growing population. For one of these operations, located in Elkader, Iowa, innovation began with a camcorder in a hog barn.

Rural America is the backbone of our nation. It is where family values are based, where respect and responsibility are grown and where future leaders are developed.

Raising the best kids, cattle and corn – in that order – is the goal of Jesse and Michelle Weber of Weber Land and Cattle in Lake Benton, Minnesota.

“Somewhere down in Texas” could be the start of countless phrases related to the cattle industry. Somewhere down in Texas, someone is working cows, saddling a horse for a long day or preparing to sell their calves at the local sale barn.