CR Cattle Company began building a commercial herd and a program for superior replacement heifers in 2004. But like so many great cowboy tales, the long line of cattle genetics and history of cattlemen that contribute to this ranch story began nearly a century ago.
Chris Russell's grandfather, John Griffith, purchased property 15 miles south of Broken Bow in 1950. For many years, John and his wife Lucille raised Hereford cattle. Unfortunately when John fell ill, he and Lucille had to move away from the ranch. They sold the cattle to their daughter, Judy and her husband Roger Russell in 1972. Roger and Judy continued to run the original Griffith Ranch for nearly 50 years. They raised five children and built their own legacy known as Russell Grain & Livestock.
Over the decades, Roger and Judy acquired and rented more property, began breeding the Hereford cows to Black Angus bulls, and built a reputation for high quality Black Angus commercial cattle and replacement heifers.
Roger and Judy's oldest son, Chris, returned to Broken Bow to begin his own cow-calf operation after graduating with an Ag Business Degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. In 2004, he calved out 30 Red Angus cows.
OUR STORY
In 2005, Chris married Sarah Fehringer who was raised on a wheat and cattle farm north of Peetz, CO. Now with two kids learning the ropes, we are a proud ranch family. Over the years, the Red Angus herd continued to grow, and in 2019, Chris and Sarah purchased Roger and Judy's Black Angus cattle. Today, Chris cares for about 600 cows, heifers, and bulls 365 days a year. On average, 500 new baby calves run the pastures March-November.
Roger and Judy continue to have a role on the ranch, but are enjoying retirement as Chris puts in the long hours required of a rancher. Sarah's parents, Ken and Judy, also contribute greatly to the operation and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
Where agriculture thrives, you will find a strong family of tradition and heritage. Our success in the beef industry is attributed to the cattlemen who blazed the trail.
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