whyranchstar

Why RanchStar?

In the late 1970’s, as researchers at Fort Keogh were in the beginning stages of putting together the composite cattle breed that is now known as the RanchStar, their intentions were very practical. They desired to produce a composite breed, through structured crossbreeding, that would be tailor made for producers in the Northern Great Plains. This composite breed was to have good foraging ability, low calving difficulty, moderate calf birthweight, rapid growth, good milking ability, moderate mature size, good temperament, sound feet and legs, and offspring that produce a high-quality, marketable carcass.

The traits that the Fort Keogh researchers sought in the 1970’s can be found in the RanchStar of today. The RanchStar is the prime example of what structured crossbreeding can accomplish. All of these traits cannot be found in one single purebred herd. HLCC has used crossbreeding to take advantage of heterosis (hybrid vigor). By crossbreeding the Red Angus, Charolais, and Tarentaise, one is able to combine all of the heritable traits of these three breeds into one breed.

The downside of this whole story is that many cattle producers don’t have the capability to maintain such a breeding system. That is where Harding Land & Cattle Company hopes to fit in. By working with HLCC, any producer can take advantage of years of crossbred genetics that are contained within each one of our RanchStar bulls and heifers.

Each year, HLCC has at least 50 potential herd sires in its RanchStar bull-calf crop that are offered up for sale. Cow/calf producers who are seeking to improve the performance of their calves should consider RanchStar bulls as their potential herd sires for a number of reasons.

RanchStar bulls produce offspring with an average birthweight of 88 pounds. Cows bred to RanchStar terminal sires have proven to have low incidents of calving difficulty and thrifty offspring.
The calves that are produced are vigorous and “quick starting” at birth, usually on their feet and nursing within 30 minutes. This is an important trait for range calving in the northern plains since temperatures can still be subzero in April.
Fertility is high, with breeding percentages consistently hitting 94-97% in range service under natural conditions. This says a lot for the RanchStar bulls’ ability to travel rough pastures during breeding season.
Calves sired by RanchStar bulls perform well in the feedlot. According to past records, near 80% of carcasses have been graded Prime or Choice with around 90% of those same carcasses grading within a yield grade of 1-3. Most calves are marketed within 15 months of age.
The mature size of the cows is moderate, which better suits the cattle for the topography and environmental conditions of this region, and also helps keep winter feeding costs lower.

To see what Harding Land & Cattle Company has to offer to producers, please see the "Sales & Offerings" page. See what a RanchStar can do for you!