|
The American Angus Association®
salutes Nelson Angus Ranch, Salmon, Idaho, for continued
ownership and production of Angus cattle for more than 50 years.
Clyde and Ruby Nelson were presented a certificate signed by the
Association’s president at their 56th production sale to honor
this Historic Angus Herd achievement. The Nelsons joined the
Association in 1958.
Clyde’s interest in the breed began early when he purchased 90
head of Angus steers and heifers as his FFA project. He took the
steers to market, paid off the bank and kept the heifers to
breed. Then in 1953, he and Ruby bought 6 head of purebred cows
from a dispersal sale in Coeur d’Alene. By tracking his cattle
from farm to rail, he realized that Angus genetics gave them an
edge and this jumpstarted their passion for raising quality
Angus cattle. In 1963, they purchased an entire herd of Angus
cattle from Charles Johnson in Montana.
The Nelsons embrace new
technology. They were among the first Angus breeders to
incorporate freeze branding for identification of cattle,
artificial insemination, DNA testing, and embryo transfer. They
have transplanted more than 2,300 embryos in the last 25 years.
Throughout the last five decades
the Nelsons have continued to evaluate their Angus cattle
through performance, progeny and carcass testing. First AHIR®
records were submitted in 1972. The most recent Pathfinder
Report declared three Nelson females reached Pathfinder® status.
Customers from over 40 states and three countries have purchased
Nelson Angus Ranch genetics and are paying $1,700 more on
average today than their first production sale in 1966.
The Nelsons have welcomed many
tours on their Lemhi valley ranch and donate their time and
services to many local, state and national organizations. His
progressive farming techniques and service to the community are
just a few of the reasons Clyde was inducted into the Idaho
Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2001.
Clyde and Ruby credit their five
daughters for national showring exposure. They bred many
national champions in the 1980’s and in 1987 raised the Roll of
Victory show heifer of the year. Janna, the second youngest
daughter, and her husband, Steve, now manage the daily
responsibilities that come with nearly 1,000 acres and 350 cows.
Clyde and Ruby now enjoy more time with their 19 grandchildren
and 22 great-grand children.
|
