In the heart of the agricultural landscape, heritage beef stands as a testament to the value of tradition, a history of innovation, sustainability, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. This most delicious protein, often sourced from time-honored farms and ranches, offers a unique culinary experience that transcends the ordinary.
Angus Cattle: Heritage Royalty
The Angus breed traces its Heritage to northeastern Scotland where these black-hided, hornless cattle became known for making great cows, and their calves became known for their high-quality, flavorful beef. The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, was a patron of the Angus breed and had her own herd of Angus cattle. When Angus cattle were introduced to America in the late 1800s, the Angus bulls were crossed on Texas Longhorn cows, and the Angus cross cattle survived the winters better and were heavier the next spring. Today the American cow herd is predominantly made up of Angus or Angus cross genetics.
Angus beef enjoys a strong market demand due to its consistent eating quality, tenderness, and flavor. Consumers often associate Angus with premium beef, leading to higher prices at retail and wholesale levels. This increased revenue can be a significant economic driver for farmers and ranchers to raise Angus cattle.
A Heritage of Great Angus Cattle Over Time
Jorgensen Land & Cattle has a deep Angus Heritage, developed over decades of dedication to improving Angus breeding stock and thus, improving commercial cattle herds across America. Angus cattle demonstrate adaptability to a variety of environments across America, exhibiting remarkable resilience and hardiness. This breed possesses traits that align with sustainable farming practices, such as adaptability to diverse forages, and the ability to efficiently convert forage and feeds that are not suitable for humans into delicious, nutrient-dense beef.
Genetic Improvement
Angus cattle have been extensively studied and improved through selective breeding at Jorgensen Land & Cattle. This genetic advancement of Angus has resulted in animals with superior traits, such as faster growth rates, improved feed efficiency, less external fat, increased carcass yield, and better marbling. These improvements contribute to higher-quality beef and decreased intake of feed resources, thus resulting in more efficient beef production.
Genetic Diversity
Often, in many species, focus on selection for genetic improvement can lead to a loss of genetic diversity. In the search for producing beef with even greater eating quality, we don’t want to see the Angus breed lose traits that have earned our breed a tremendous reputation for great beef cows. To help prevent that, we have reintroduced Angus sire lines (Y-chromosomes) into the breed, to help ensure the Angus Heritage for producing great mother cows is not lost to history.
Angus Performance Breeding: Blending tradition with innovation
At Jorgensen Land & Cattle we have been in the beef industry since 1909 and our Angus line breeding program dates back to the 1950s. Based on the beef cattle performance breeding concepts of the late Dr. Jay Lush from Iowa State University, we have focused on cultivating superior genetics to produce the highest quality of animals from what is widely considered to be the finest breed of cattle.
Based primarily on five separate and distinct sire lines, our breeding program systematically uses performance data and genetic selection to refine the quality of our herd and produce healthy, correctly conditioned bulls that will enhance any herd.
Diversification and Risk Management
For many farmers, Jorgensen Angus cattle offer a valuable diversification strategy. By incorporating our distinct Angus sire lines into their livestock operations, farmers can control inbreeding and continue to produce great Angus beef, while still maintaining a robust cow herd. Angus beef’s consistent demand and relatively stable prices can help ensure that the prices they get for their calves will remain high relative to the market, no matter how it fluctuates.
Brand Recognition and Marketing Opportunities
The Angus breed has a strong brand identity and is recognized by consumers worldwide. This brand recognition can be leveraged by farmers to market their Angus beef products. By emphasizing the heritage, quality, and sustainability of their Angus cattle, farmers can differentiate their products and attract discerning consumers willing to pay a premium price.
Impact on Rural Economies
The economic benefits of Angus cattle extend beyond the individual farm level. Angus beef production can have a positive impact on rural economies by supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating revenue. Angus cattle farms can stimulate demand for feed, veterinary services, and other agricultural inputs, contributing to the overall vitality of rural communities while continuing to improve soil health and a healthy environment.
A lasting legacy
Heritage beef is more than just a culinary delicacy; it is a symbol of tradition, sustainability, and ethical farming practices. By choosing to raise Angus cattle with a heritage of environmental stewardship and soil health, we support the preservation of valuable farmland and genetic resources, contributing to a more resilient food system, and enjoying the exceptional taste and nutritional benefits of this unique product. As we continue to explore the diverse world of heritage beef, let us embrace the opportunity to connect with our agricultural heritage and savor the timeless flavors of the past.