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Olsens work to improve Hereford genetics

Olsen Ranches Inc. is a commercial Hereford operation located near Harrisburg in the western Panhandle of Nebraska. 

The Olsen family has raised Hereford cattle and farmed in Banner County since 1885.  Today, the Olsen operation focuses on its commercial cow-calf herd, with 850 cows comprised primarily of Hereford genetics with crossbreeding of Red Angus genetics. 

The Olsens offer custom backgrounding and artificial insemination services.  In 2010 they added a GrowSafe system to their feedlot, which allows the collection of feed efficiency data.

The Olsens also have irrigated and dryland cropland, on which they raise wheat, corn, barley and alfalfa.

For many years, the Olsens have been involved in programs designed to improve Hereford genetics and grow the market for Hereford beef.  Olsen Ranches is one of the key operations participating in the American Hereford Association’s National Reference Sire Program, testing bulls since 1999. Through the years the Olsens have tested 146 bulls and submitted data on 7,623 progeny. 

During the recent Hereford Media Tour, we visited with fourth generation rancher Doug Olsen about their family operation.

AUDIO: Douglas Olsen (5:46 MP3)

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