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Meet Our Producers

VNH Cows-368 (edited)

Our quality beef starts with a genuine passion for cattle throughout their lifecycle. We are honored to work with ranchers and livestock operators committed to providing Greater Omaha with the very best beef to share with the world. We value our producers and every relationship built in our 100+ years in business and invite you to meet a few of them.

Kooiker Brothers

For Rich, Paul, and Bill, cattle production has always been a family business. Their father, William H., purchased the farm from his grandfather in 1952. Originally in the chicken, hog, and dairy business, William's vision to raise beef cattle began when he purchased his first ranch in 1964. Now, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota, the Kooiker Brothers, their sons, and son-in-law raise young cattle on their acres of grassland in each state. In the fall, cattle from the ranch are brought to the farm in Middleburg, Iowa, where they are fed home-grown corn silage to increase their weight... Read More

For Rich, Paul, and Bill, cattle production has always been a family business. Their father, William H., purchased the farm from his grandfather in 1952. Originally in the chicken, hog, and dairy business, William's vision to raise beef cattle began when he purchased his first ranch in 1964. Now, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota, the Kooiker Brothers, their sons, and son-in-law raise young cattle on their acres of grassland in each state. In the fall, cattle from the ranch are brought to the farm in Middleburg, Iowa, where they are fed home-grown corn silage to increase their weight and marbling potential.
The Kooiker family is passionate about the safety of their cattle and the environment. "We avoid commercial fertilizers and rotate pastures. We believe in keeping the land the way we found it or better," says Paul. "We want to feed people a good quality protein without the worry. I wholeheartedly believe beef cattle are the only ruminant animals fed on marginal land otherwise unusable that can deliver an incredible quality product with remarkable taste."

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Hansen Farms

Hansen Farms was established in western Audubon County, just 8 miles from Manning, Iowa, in 1941. Having been raised on the farm, Charles Hansen took over the ranch from his father in 1975. Operations included growing and maintaining oilseed, corn, soybean, and other grains. When he wasn't in the field, Charles was busy farming cattle, hogs and raising a family. When Greg joined his dad on the farm in 1995, his ambitions included growing the cattle business. By '97, they were feeding 3-400 head of cattle on average. "We've tripled our herd now, feeding 1500 head of Blacks, Herefords, and... Read More

Hansen Farms was established in western Audubon County, just 8 miles from Manning, Iowa, in 1941. Having been raised on the farm, Charles Hansen took over the ranch from his father in 1975. Operations included growing and maintaining oilseed, corn, soybean, and other grains. When he wasn't in the field, Charles was busy farming cattle, hogs and raising a family.
When Greg joined his dad on the farm in 1995, his ambitions included growing the cattle business. By '97, they were feeding 3-400 head of cattle on average. "We've tripled our herd now, feeding 1500 head of Blacks, Herefords, and Charolais," says Greg. Greg hopes his sons will continue the family business after growing up on the farm. "At the end of the day, it isn't easy," he shares. "My eldest will be studying animal science at Iowa State, and he plans to return to the farm after getting his degree. As for the other two, it's too early to tell."

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J&S Feedlot

In 1980, Steve Ruskamp took Joan, his fiancé, to visit a house outside Dodge in Northeast Nebraska, once owned by his grandparents in 1917. Steve's vision was clear on that day as they agreed to make this their family home and into what is now J&S Feedlot. As their operation expanded, so did their family. Joan and Steve raised three daughters and two sons on their 400-acre farm, and although the extra hands helped feed nearly 3000 cattle per day, they were always encouraged to follow their dreams. "Life on the farm helped teach them how to manage money. It... Read More

In 1980, Steve Ruskamp took Joan, his fiancé, to visit a house outside Dodge in Northeast Nebraska, once owned by his grandparents in 1917. Steve's vision was clear on that day as they agreed to make this their family home and into what is now J&S Feedlot. As their operation expanded, so did their family. Joan and Steve raised three daughters and two sons on their 400-acre farm, and although the extra hands helped feed nearly 3000 cattle per day, they were always encouraged to follow their dreams. "Life on the farm helped teach them how to manage money. It isn't easy," said Joan. "If you live frugally and focus on the business, you can be successful."
The Ruskamp's humble way of life and focus on sustainability has been a blessing to the environment and helped neighboring farms benefit from their stewardship. "We hold all of our water and irrigate the crops with it. We grow corn and turn it into fodder to feed the cattle," shares Joan. "It's a beautiful cycle; we spread the manure out to dry then sell it to local farmers. The dried waste is richer in nutrients, lighter to haul, and better for the environment than fertilizer."
With nine grandchildren who love coming to the farm, the Ruskamp's hope their love for the land and cattle will help carry on the family business one day.

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Great Cattle come from Great Beginnings

Seedstock producers track and sell superior bull genetics to commercial cattle operations. Customers worldwide make specific requests to match their need for quality from seedstock producers like the ones below.

Van Newkirk Herefords

Located in the heart of cattle country, Van Newkirk Hereford Ranch sprawls across the hills of Oshkosh, Nebraska. The ranch dates back to 1892 when owner Joe Van Newkirk's great grandfather Lorenzo began mating Hereford bulls to longhorn cows. Today Joe, his wife Cyndi, their children, and grandchildren continue the family business and their passion for the Hereford breed. "This is a family operation; we raised our kids to be in the thick of it – they can all work cattle on horseback," shares Cyndi. Currently managed by Joe and Kolby Van Newkirk, the operation prides itself on the consistency... Read More

Located in the heart of cattle country, Van Newkirk Hereford Ranch sprawls across the hills of Oshkosh, Nebraska. The ranch dates back to 1892 when owner Joe Van Newkirk's great grandfather Lorenzo began mating Hereford bulls to longhorn cows. Today Joe, his wife Cyndi, their children, and grandchildren continue the family business and their passion for the Hereford breed. "This is a family operation; we raised our kids to be in the thick of it – they can all work cattle on horseback," shares Cyndi.
Currently managed by Joe and Kolby Van Newkirk, the operation prides itself on the consistency and quality of its Hereford cattle. To produce cattle consistency, they look for specific traits, moderate birth rates, high-performance gains, and good sires. "Calving season is my favorite; it's by far the hardest, but seeing new life being born is something that will never get old."

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Topp Herefords

The foundation of Topps Herefords is built on the family's commitment to raising quality cattle and delivering consistent genetics to their customers. Located in Grace City, North Dakota, Topps Herefords, earlier known as Topp Polled Hereford Ranch, was started by Woodrow and Anne Topp in 1945. Their son Merlin later converted the registered herd to commercial cattle in the early 1970s. Years later, with a will to revive the original operation, Merlin's sixteen-year-old son Ryan began purchasing registered Hereford cattle and building the quality herds. Ryan, his wife Prairie, and their three children, Lauren, Mariah, and Logan, continue to grow... Read More

The foundation of Topps Herefords is built on the family's commitment to raising quality cattle and delivering consistent genetics to their customers. Located in Grace City, North Dakota, Topps Herefords, earlier known as Topp Polled Hereford Ranch, was started by Woodrow and Anne Topp in 1945. Their son Merlin later converted the registered herd to commercial cattle in the early 1970s. Years later, with a will to revive the original operation, Merlin's sixteen-year-old son Ryan began purchasing registered Hereford cattle and building the quality herds.
Ryan, his wife Prairie, and their three children, Lauren, Mariah, and Logan, continue to grow the business today, focusing on seed stock operators and commercial cattlemen. In 2021, the Topps spent a week in Nebraska learning the needs of area feedstock operators to meet genetic requirements and deliver the right cattle to their customers, including Greater Omaha.

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Raising Beef Naturally

Seedstock operators can specialize in USDA approved Non-Hormone Treated Cattle program, recognized and approved for imports to the EU.

Fulton Ranch

In 1948, Harley Fulton packed up his family in Texas and moved to Miller, South Dakota, after purchasing the land on which Fulton Ranch stands today. These days, the cow/calf operation continues to thrive with his grandson Mark Fulton at the helm alongside his wife, Susan, their children, and grandchildren. “I never go to work,” shares Mark. “When you love what you do, it’s not work. Our kids love it; their families love it; we all work for the same reason. I have no doubt the Fulton Ranch will continue to thrive for generations to come." The Fulton Ranch is... Read More

In 1948, Harley Fulton packed up his family in Texas and moved to Miller, South Dakota, after purchasing the land on which Fulton Ranch stands today. These days, the cow/calf operation continues to thrive with his grandson Mark Fulton at the helm alongside his wife, Susan, their children, and grandchildren. “I never go to work,” shares Mark. “When you love what you do, it’s not work. Our kids love it; their families love it; we all work for the same reason. I have no doubt the Fulton Ranch will continue to thrive for generations to come."
The Fulton Ranch is an Angus cattle operation from birth to finish. Mark uses reproduction knowledge and genetics to ensure cattle produce uniformity, good disposition, and higher grading carcasses. "This allows us to eliminate the bottom of the herd." Fulton Ranch is a non-hormone-treated cattle (NHTC) operation. "Be a good neighbor, do what's right. If you take care of the land and animals, they will take care of you," says Mark.

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Sandrock Ranch Herefords

Sandrock Ranch is nestled high atop a ridge overlooking the Galena River, also known as the Fever River, in Southwest Wisconsin. Owner Kevin Bennett's grandmother purchased their first registered Hereford in the late 1940s. "The breed's disposition and docility have allowed me to raise my family alongside our cattle," shares Kevin. "The only place to raise a family is on a cattle operation; it builds a lot of character and resilience." Today, Kevin is joined by his daughter Stacy and his granddaughter Kylie as they run operations for 300 purebred Hereford and 200 commercial cows. Their calving season begins in... Read More

Sandrock Ranch is nestled high atop a ridge overlooking the Galena River, also known as the Fever River, in Southwest Wisconsin. Owner Kevin Bennett's grandmother purchased their first registered Hereford in the late 1940s. "The breed's disposition and docility have allowed me to raise my family alongside our cattle," shares Kevin. "The only place to raise a family is on a cattle operation; it builds a lot of character and resilience."
Today, Kevin is joined by his daughter Stacy and his granddaughter Kylie as they run operations for 300 purebred Hereford and 200 commercial cows. Their calving season begins in mid-February through mid-May. "I can never wait until the 1st baby is born; for me, that is the best!" As a livestock producer, Kevin focuses on the bulls' expected progeny differences (EPDs) before purchasing. "The right genetics deliver the best marbling and grading," says Kevin. "I don't know if it's my competitiveness or my strong will, but I am determined to find genetics proving Hereford cattle are equal to or better than other programs."
SRR participates in the Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Program, allowing Greater Omaha Packing to facilitate the trade of U.S. non-hormone treated beef to the European Union.

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Producer Videos

Watch, listen, and learn each producer's passion for what they do daily; from raising a family to quality cattle, sustainable practices, and more, these hard-working cattlemen and women share their primary focus and expertise in the industry.

Connealy Angus

Jerry Connealy owner of Connealy Angus, a seedstock operation in Whitman, NE shares his passion for producing quality cattle.

Jerry Connealy owner of Connealy Angus, a seedstock operation in Whitman, NE shares his passion for producing quality cattle.

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Kavorik Cattle Company

Luke Kavorik invites us to learn about his family's commercial cow-calf operation in Ord, NE.

Luke Kavorik invites us to learn about his family's commercial cow-calf operation in Ord, NE.

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Feller Ranch

Drew and Morgan Feller, operate a first-generation seedstock Angus ranch in Thedford, NE while raising their family.

Drew and Morgan Feller, operate a first-generation seedstock Angus ranch in Thedford, NE while raising their family.

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Cover Ranches

Matt Cover, a sixth-generation rancher, operates a family cow-calf operation in Ashby, NE with a focus on sustainability.

Matt Cover, a sixth-generation rancher, operates a family cow-calf operation in Ashby, NE with a focus on sustainability.

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