FairView Angus Ranch
A Historic Ranch serving the industry
FairView Angus Ranch and Angus seed stock seem to fit together like cows and grass. Since the early 50’s and through four owners registered Angus cattle have been part of the ranch. George and Judy Frank, owners, along with the management team of Kenny and Rachael Lee have renewed FairView’s commitment to producing genetics that will su
stain and enrich the quality of life for ranch families. Who better to manage the seedstock operation than the young couple who grew up on area commercial operations? FairView Angus Ranch is becoming a ranch less reliant on iron and energy, refocused on the grass and the cattle that graze upon it. It is natural that FairView would consider Canadian genetics as part of their program. In the 50’s and 60’s, owner Jack Fair and manager Dillard Bryce played a significant part in the Angus business of the Pacific Northwest and in Western Canada. The bull FV Marshall A11 founded the Canadian Marshall line that was prominent in Canada and the U.S. The Southolm Angus program as well as other breeders in the Lethbridge area utilized this bloodline successfully. Dillard Bryce discovered Southolm Bar Lad 50D as a calf securing a share for the next operations he would manage, Burton’s Highland Meadows and Sugar Loaf. Under ownership of the Williams family FairView Angus Ranch became the most important U.S. The herd was dispersed in 1977 with many important cattle like Wandering Creek Dynasty JRM 2F, WAR Elba 43J and FV Queen 399 offered. Ranchers in the vicinity of FairView still remember some of the good bulls they bought from those early programs. FairView Angus Ranch’s move to summer calving as well as the very nature of the place create management issues that the Lee’s have addressed. Calving on grass has made moderate milk and impeccable udder structure a necessary trait. The moist soils on the irrigated ranch exacerbate foot problems so consequently good feet are of utmost importance. Kenny and George are quick to admit some of the popular genetics they have tried have just not worked because of these issues. Years of involvement with the ET industry allowed Kenny and Rachael to learn about the best cow families and their breeders. These same experiences taught the Lees that a high percentage of the cattle being propagated had big problems to go along with their big numbers. The ambitious ET program at FairView has enabled them to use proven cow families that fit their breeding philosophy. FairView Angus Ranch implements all the modern technologies but at the end of the day how the cattle function on the ranch and for their customers will establish their worth. FairView Angus Ranch has expanded into the Canadian lines with 80 or so calves expected in 2014. Previously discussed bloodlines like Wandering Creek Dynasty and Southolm Bar Lad 50D will again grace the pastures. Southolm Blk Marshall 188 75, Bonnie Chance Bardolene 10A, Silver Dome Dynasty and Deep Ridge Marshall 48B will also sire calves in 2014. An impressive line of donors has been assembled by FairView in 2012 and 2013, including seven Southolm Bar Lad 50D influenced cows from Grassy Lanes, Fairmac Duchess 91S a maternal sister to Eston of Lookout 83Z, Sunny Grove Camilla 6R, and Eston influenced cow from Richard Sverdahl, 4 cows from the heart of the Figure Eight dispersion and a Double A Annie K from Majestic. Flushes from these cows and bulls like Abangomere Eston, Bandolier Eston Durness 42B, Camilla Chance 46W, Southolm Marshall 023V, Coalbridge Marshall 15 and Clamarr Eric 6 should make some good cattle. FairView and their customers will benefit from traits and outcross vigor these lines will offer. Kenny and Rachael would be the first to admit the mentoring they have received with these cattle has been invaluable. Rest assured this project is about breeding good cattle and not a marketing ploy. FairView Angus Ranch is proud of its history, but even more excited about its future. written by Scott Shivley
