Judd RanchJoe Peine is sold on Judd genetics. So much so, he's built his entire herd aroud the JR brand starting with his first purchase in 1990.
"I can't say enough good things about the Judd Ranch," Joe says. "I bought my first bull in 1990 and now my whole herd is based on Judd genetics. Last year, because of those genetics, I weaned off bull calves that weighed more than 1,000 lbs. My herd is proof that you can start with a group of bad cows and after years of buying Judd Ranch bulls you can have a herd you are proud of."
Joe will be the first to tell you he didn't go about it the easy way. If he were to do it again, he says he would have started with Judd Ranch females.
"Judd Ranch sired females do what you want them to do, they excel as mommas," Joe says. "If I could go back and start over, I would buy a group of Judd Ranch females to start with and it would have eliminated the work of building up my herd. Looking back now I started with one of the poorest herds you could find; I had a little bit of everything. I just kept keeping back the best heifers to get where I am today."
Located in Fulton, Kansas, Joe has a split calving season. His 70 head herd consists of Balancer genetics based on generation after generation of stacked Judd Ranch genetics. Calves are typically weaned around 230 days of age and sold at the Mo-Kan Livestock Market. He keeps the better heifer calves.
"I know I should market the steers in a different way, but we top the market every year and it works for us," Joe says. Along with the cow herd, Joe also farms in Bourbon County Kansas near the Kansas Missouri line.
Joe recalls he bought that first bull in 1990 after his good friend Bill Buzzard suggested he make a trip to Judd Ranch and check out the offering. "He said the Judd genetics could help my herd, and he was right."
Since buying that bull Joe says he has increased average weaning weights from 400 lbs. to 750 lbs. on heifers and more than 900 lbs. on bull calves. "Judd Ranch genetics have made a huge difference in the pounds I sell at weaning," he explains.
Joe is proud of the calves he sells but even more proud of the heifers he is now retaining in his herd. "The females have good feet and legs, milk good and have nice udders. It is hard to decide which ones to cull - they are that good."
Customer service is another factor the Peines appreciate as Judd Ranch customers. "They accommodate all your needs," Joe says. "They are nothing like car salesmen. They tell it to you straight. There is no one more honest or trustworthy than David Judd."
Above all, Joe and his wife, Barbara, are happiest with the docility of Judd Ranch bulls and their offspring. "I'm 70 years old and I can't run like I used to," he says with a smile. "It's just the two of us working cattle and they have to be easy to handle. There's no doubt Judd Ranch bulls' docility is priceless."
