“My father didn’t tell me how to live;
He lived, and let me watch him do it”
OUR MISSION
To produce functionally sound, maternally focused, moderate framed, Fleckvieh-influenced breeding stock with superior carcass genetics, all targeted to the commercial cattleman.
I started the RL Herd in High School and my first Simmental calf was sired by Bismark in 1972. It was a bull calf which I sold to a guy for $600 right off the cow. Then….. THE RACE WAS ON. By the mid 80’s I had 50 cows, some Simmental and a few Fleckviehs. I was selling 10-15 bulls a year. Then the drought of 1988 came. My Simmentals weaned 500lbs calves and 1/2 were open. Our Fleckvieh/Fleck-cross cows weaned 600lb calves and were all re-bred. That brought us to RL FLECKVIEH.
We began breeding Fleckvieh cattle and those cattle were sound, big-footed, highly fertile, docile and all around great mothers. I started selling these bulls to ranchers in Arizona and New Mexico. The Fleck bulls would outlast the Herefords that were born in those states. Everybody was happy and then that black-hided thing happened…….
We couldn’t give a good red ring-eyed bull away in 1996, which is the same year we bought this farm. I was forced to breed black/polled cattle to meet demand and pay the bills. I turned to old Angus genetics and in two years we were able to meet to customer demand.
To date, we sell 35-50 Fullblood Red/Black, Polled/Horned bulls that are at least 25% Fleck. Our best cattle are 3/4 Fleck and polled. We don’t run to new fads or the popular bulls like many purebred breeders will. If you have heard of a bull winning a show or bringing in big dollars at a sale you won’t find any of his calves here. Many times our high selling bull is sired by our own herd sire or the high selling bulls from years past. We collect and use our best bulls here. Don’t get me wrong, we make mistakes, but they are our own mistakes not repeating mistakes others have already made. Those mistakes are quickly corrected .…. we have a feed yard.
We have been ultrasounding for marbling and ribeye for 20 years and performance testing for 40 years. If you are a cow at the Limerock, you need` to do your job well or go to cash flow. We joke that being poor and raising five kids makes for a very efficient and fertile cow herd… no free loaders here.
RL FLECKVIEH
How we got to where we are…
FAMILY & GOOD FRIENDS
We produced a fine bunch of offspring!! From the left - Bryce, Jordan, Emily, Jen, Randy, Shelby & Ben. All of the kids have played a part in our cattle operation. We are proud of each of them for their work ethic, perseverance, lending a hand to others, honoring their country, being great parents and just having some plain ol’ grit. This operation was built from the ground up. When they were younger it wasn’t easy and there were alot of sacrifices made. Without each of them we wouldn’t be where we are. We have a lot of appreciation and gratitude for the parts they have played and continue to play today in our operation, even from a distance.
Our kids did pretty good at reproducing too:) From the left, meet our grandkids- Wyatt, Weston, Cyrus, Cassidy, Aubrie, Cadence & Clara.
Randy’s dad, Dick, is going strong at 82 and is a long time auctioneer. We are so grateful he is still willing and able to cry our auction. To the left is Randy’s uncle, John. Also a long time auctioneer and helps in the ring every year.
Jen’s momma, Connie. Connie cooks a lot of the great food served at the bull sale. You will see her buzzing around the food tables making sure people have what they need. She’s also always willing to pitch in where needed throughout the year with anything cattle related. We are always grateful for her support and willingness to help!!
Jen’s step-dad, Mark. Mark has been there to help with building the structures here at the Limerock for the past 20+ years. He’s a jack of all trades!! We appreciate his skills and willingness to jump in and help us.
Randy with his mom, Sharon. Sharon is a huge supporter of our family and cattle operation. You will see her at the bull sale greeting people, keeping the food line moving and cheering on our family. You won’t be able to tell she’s 82 years…. young:) We are blessed to have her.
Our Cattle Moving & Working Crew
Robin, Bill & Laurie
I truly don’t know where to start with these 3. They are not only our great friends but they are also part of our family. We call ourselves the geriatric crew because the youngest of us when working cattle is most of the time 50 years old. These 3 are always a call away. They come to help in the heat, the cold and I’m sure sometimes when they don’t really feel like it. When we talk about how we got to where we are today….. these 3 have been a huge part of that journey. Forever grateful for them.
Sherri Truax
Sherri has been a friend of the family for many years. You will find her at the bull sale running….. literally! The day of the sale and feeding 200 people is no easy feat. She is the one behind the scenes heating food, stirring gravy, filling roasters and running food from the house to the shop. People who are willing to give up a day to do the behind the scenes work are one of a kind. We appreciate her immensely.
Cody Rawson
Cody has been helping us out for the last couple of years with all the daily operations of the Limerock. Sometimes part-time…. sometimes over-time:) It’s hard to find someone with great work ethic and grit. Cody has both and many times has dropped what he’s doing to come over and help. He is truly appreciated and part of our family.
Randy’s brother Doug, helps work the back pens during the sale with our boys. He is always a call away during calving season if we need help and does some running of fat cattle for us to the sale barn. We truly appreciate the time he gives up to lend us a hand.
