Our Cattle
At East and West Ranch, our motto is "good cattle look after themselves", just as nature intended. We raise straight black angus cattle bred to straight black angus bulls. Our target is a moderate frame cow weighing between 1200-1400 pounds. This size allows our cattle to maintain their conditions in the extreme Southeastern Alberta environment. We graze for 10 months out of the year in which we manage our grass with as much carry over as possible. We feed less than 60 days in the winter. Hearty genetics are what we intend to pass on.
We handle our cattle in a traditional sense, primarily on horseback. No cow or heifer is moved without her calf by her side, only at a walk, and with as less stress as possible. This mentality and lifestyle is at the heart of our operation and is where our passion for ranching truly shines through. We are proud to pass theses skills and mindsets on to the next generation.
Calving
We calve our cattle out on grass in mid April, including our first calf heifers. We pride ourselves with calving ease. As mentioned above, "cows should be able to look after themselves", and calving is no exception.
Branding
Branding begins in the latter part of June. Our calves receive one brand on the right hip that has been used since 1897 (quarter circle T). We work closely with our veterinarian on what vaccines to administer. Calves are given 8 Way, a live vaccine, and the steers are implanted.
Breeding
The boys go out on the tenth of July. They are turned out on grass to breed for two cycles. We select our black angus bulls with the belief that optimum bulls are required to achieve optimal results. Our herd consists of bulls from Belvin Angus, Hamilton Farms, Pahl Livestock, and Reid Angus.
Feed Production
We put up all our own hay, and our silage is done custom. Farming is a large and very important part of our operation. Having optimal nutrition for backgrounding our calves in the winter is paramount to their performance.
Weaning
Weaning starts in October. Our calves are weaned off the cow reaching 40-45% of their mothers weight. On average they weigh around 520 pounds net. We pregcheck all our cows and heifers, and they're given Ivomec. We work with our veterinarian to determine what to administer our calves for fall vaccinations. They are given 8 Way, a live vaccine, and an application of Ivomec. Cows are turned back out on grass, and the calves are sorted by sex and weight and kept in the feedlot.
Feedlot Program
We work very closely with a nutritionist to put together a balanced ration. They are given a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) that incorporates ranch grown feed and purchased grain. We feed based on expected markets and rainfall. The goal is to achieve a slow, healthy, 2-2.5 pound gain per animal.
Heifers are sorted by weight. They're fed to achieve optimal condition and to maintain moderate frame. Our target weight is 750-850 pounds, at which point we turn them out on grass to be bred in July. We keep and sell our bred heifers.
Steers are also sorted by weight. Our goal is to reach 850-900 pounds. Once this weight is achieved, some are sold to various feeder markets in February and March through Perlich Brothers Auction Market Ltd. The rest are summered on grass as yearlings and sold in late summer.
Wintering Cows
After weaning, cows are turned out to graze native and tame grasses, and stubble and regrowth from hay and silage crops. They also follow a strict mineral program to compliment their nutrition. We do not feed until after New Years. At this point, they are fed a maintenance ration of 25-30 pounds of grasses, alfalfa hay, and green feed (usually triticale). Our cattle are fed for less than 60 days. By the time April comes around, they are in prime calving condition.