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Click the logo above to learn more about the
Lakota Bull Test! |
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| Top Devon Females For Sale |
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DUE TO
DROUGHT CONDITIONS, Lakota Ranch is SELLING our summer
calving herd. We have 25 top cows with performance and
pedigrees to back them up. These cattle have been exposed to
Hendersons Buckshot P97 and are in great shape. Prices range
from $3,500.00 up to $6000.00. Group discounts, as always, are
available.
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Hurry – only
12 remain!!!
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ALSO
AVAILABLE are 15, 5 wt. Devon steers. Again, these
animals are only available due to the drought conditions that
we are still suffering from. Call Jeremy today for more info –
540.718.1139. |
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| Lakota's Farming Philosophy |
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Lakota Farm is a grass based beef
cattle farm which utilizes modern technology and ancient
wisdom to produce Model cattle, and
at
Lakota these cattle are placed in an environment which mimics the conditions in
which these cattle originated. By doing this we
determine which Genetics are easily maintained, highly
fertile, and the best suited for pasture production. Like
a large part of
the Grass- Fed industry we have identified DEVON cattle
as the best suited breed for forage based systems. The
Devon breed |
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| was used to settle not only this country
but many others as well. This is due to the many wonderful
attributes of this historic breed like carcass merit and
foraging ability to name a couple. These attributes were
recognized by our ancestors and have been verified by modern
science. The difference in us and the rest of the industry is
that we realized this fact over 50 years ago. We not only
realized it but we have strived to enhance it. We have weighed, scanned,
measured, tested, and evaluated cattle, soils, forages, and
minerals to see what works and eliminate the things which do
not. |
The result is a management system that
strives to maximize the energy in our soils, turn this energy
into high quality plant energy and then to maximize the plant
energy by harvesting it with the genetically superior foraging
machine known as the Devon. At Lakota we look to not only market
cattle, semen, and embryos but to accompany this product with a
management system.
Contact us today at
Enghs@aol.com! |
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| Lakota’s Devon History |
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Lakotas first Devon cattle were
purchased from the late Senator Wayne Morse of
Poolesville, Maryland in 1956. Two females and a horned
and polled Devon bull were purchased by the late Otto
and Sara Engh as a gift for their youngest son, Jerry.
The two bulls were used for crossbreeding with Angus
cattle as well as a foundation for starting a Devon
herd. Progeny were shown at local fairs in Maryland
through the late 1950’s. The Devon herd was maintained
at Effingham Plantation over the next 2 decades, with no
introduction of new breeding stock until the early 70’s.
The foundation herd had reached approximately 25 females
by 1971. A renewed interest in Devon cattle was realized
with a |
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| trip to the annual
National Devon Sale and Show in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1974.
The camaraderie among breeders and love for the docile cattle
led to an intense desire to expand the Devon program and compete
against other breeders in show competition. A strong friendship
developed with the late Fred Wyvill, a fellow breeder from Upper
Marlboro, Md. In 1976 Fred and Jerry traveled to Great Britain
to attend the Royal Agricultural Show and visit top Devon herds
in England. Both Fred and Jerry purchased Devon bulls from the
herd of Andre Mitisiak and imported them to the United States.
The bull Lufton Guardsmen ll became a primary herd sire
providing an outcross to the herd at Effingham Plantation. |
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A second herd bull by the name of Devonacres Big Red was
purchased from Devonacres Ranch in Eagle Point, Oregon, the
following year. This extremely growthy horned bull topped the
Devonacres sale of over 80 bulls. He was the number one bull on
test in the sale and graded 16 out of a maximum score of 16+ for
correctness by Dr. Stewart Fowler. Each year, all bulls
qualifying for the Devonacres sale were graded by Dr. Fowler
with no bull ever receiving a grade above 16+. Devonacres Big
Red along with his son, Effingham’s Big Red was used heavily in
the breeding program through the mid-1980’s. |
| Each winter through 1982, Patty and Jerry
Engh would travel to the shows in Mississippi, Louisiana, and
Texas to compete in show competition. The cattle were selected
and prepared for show with the assistance of herd manager Frank
Jones. The highlight of this effort was winning Grand Champion
female at the national show with the female Effinghams Desire
1st. The same year Effingham topped the sale of Devons at the
national sale by selling a yearling bull sired by Lufton
Guardsman 2nd. Several purchases of breeding stock were made
through the mid-80 to strengthen the Devon herd at Effingham.
Major purchases included the Alona herd from Glendale,
Washington in 1980 and the Wymont herd from Alexandria,
Louisiana the following year. The bull Wymont Glorious Warrant
had a major influence in this family of Devons. This bull was
exceptional in his masculinity and muscle pattern. In 1982,
Devonacres Ranch sold their entire herd, the largest dispersion
sale of Devons in the United States with almost 500 individuals
transferred. A number of females were purchased for the
Effingham herd including females from the Frank’s and Favorite
lines of California. In addition, Effingham purchased the rights
to semen from Devonacres on their grand champion bull, GRO 615
Big George. The bull was used to add scale to |
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some of the older style Devons
in the Effingham breeding program. Considerable semen
was sold from GRO 615 Big George in both the U.S. and
Brazil. In 1984, Effingham co-hosted the 2nd World Devon
Congress with a farm visit by Devon cattle breeders from
Australia, Brazil, England, and New Zealand. At the time
of the congress Effingham had on display an embryo calf
by the name - BCG1 Desires Big George. The bull had been
produced by embryo transplant at Berry College, a son of
Effingham’s Desire 1 and Big George, both Grand
Champions at the National Devon Show. Although semen was
not sold oversees on this bull, a son of Wymont Glorious
Warrant by the name of Effingham’s Power Park was sold
and exported to Brazil. This son of Wymont Glorious
Warrant is the only polled Devon bull exported to
Brazil, the bull being purchased by renowned Devon
breeder, Senor Jose Senna. BCG1 Desires Big George was
probably the most influential bull to be used in the
Effingham program. BCG 1, as we called the bull, just
stayed in good shape despite heavy use each |
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| breeding season. He was best described
as a large bull with a tremendous front end and a load of
middle. Unfortunately the bull was injured and only 2 full calf
crops were produced at Effingham. Other bulls that played a
major role in the development of the Devon herd at Effingham
were Noyl Boy M78 purchased from Bill Coutts herd in Maine and
Holbrook 55 purchased out of the Utah bull test station sale in
1988. Holbrook 55 had a gain ratio on test of 115 and a
yearling weight just over 1200 pounds. Holbrook 55 sired 2 sons,
Lakota 53C and Lakota 123C that became the primary herd sires at
Lakota Ranch after the Devon herd was shifted to Lakota Ranch
from Effingham in the spring of 1990. Semen from the M78 bull
was sold to breeders in Brazil with a daughter of this bull
winning reserve grand champion at the Estaio Show for breeder
Claudio Rebeiro. In addition, a son of M78, Effingham’s Noyl Boy
T28 produced some of the top breeding females in the Lakota herd
today. |
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| Next, we need to mention two Devon herd
bulls used from 1999-2005, Trailblazer of Grovemont and Lakota’s
H48. Trailblazer of Grovemont purchased in 1999 from the
historic herd at Williamsburg, is the only bull of the dairy
type to be used at Lakota Ranch. We currently have 15 females
and 1 son from this bull in service. The first calf crop from
daughters of Trailblazer were exceptional with perfect udder
structure and abundant rich milk production resulting in
exceptional calf performance. . Lakota H48 is a son of Lakota's
53C of the Noyl Boybloodline. Lakota H48 is out of a Tomotley
Red Sunset cow, a cow that remained in the breeding program
until the age of 19. In 2003, we were fortunate to add the
Kinloch herd to our program at Lakota Ranch. This herd of 27
breeding females and 5 bulls was integrated into both our
commercial and purebred Devon programs. We maintain in excess of
100 breeding females to meet the growing demands for Devon
seedstock in the United States.
The current breeding program at Lakota Ranch features 4 bulls
with exceptional breed characteristics that are being used in
natural service, AI, and embryo production. All four bulls are
deep bodied and heavily muscled, the correct type for grass. The
first is Lakotas 16N of Albion. Kinloch’s Albion A20 was a bull
purchased from the breeding program of Bill Harper’s at Kinloch
Farm in The Plains, VA We had admired the muscle pattern of this
bull and had tried to purchase him for 10 years. The second is
an embryo produced calf out of the before mentioned Tomotleys
Red Sunset cow who was also the mother of the Lakota H48 bull.
This bull, P42, sired by the Rotokawa 688 bull possesses width,
depth, and an immaculate hair coat. The third bull, Lakotas P60,
a son of Lakotas H48 and Buckeyes T60, is as genetically strong
as he is phenotypically correct, we believe he is the best all
around bull in the breed. Lastlly we must mention Lakotas P29K,
2006 National Grand Champion Devon Bull, he is a smoother more
athletic type bull preferred by many.
The last 6 years we have had a renewed interest in expanding
the breeding program through embryo transplant and the use of
oversees A.I. sires. We initiated an aggressive plan to flush a
group of our top females to produce outcrosses to be used
selectively back in the breeding program. We currently sell
semen on 10 different Devon sires, old and new. We also have
continued to flush cattle and sell embryos every spring and
fall. |
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| History of Lakota Farms |
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| Lakota Ranch, a 726 acre farm in Culpeper
County, Virginia, was purchased from the Myer family in 1990.
The purpose was to expand the Devon beef cattle program
established at Effingham Plantation in the 50’s and further
expanded to include Cedar Creek Ranch in 1978. The Devon herd
consisting of approximately 80 brood cows was moved in its
entirety to Lakota Ranch in 1991. Lakota Ranch added a selected
herd of registered Longhorn Cattle in the early 90’s. The
foundation females were purchased from Berry College. Dr.
Stewart Fowler, a renowned animal scientist, joined the staff at
Lakota to oversee the breeding program in the mid-90’s. Dr.
Fowler’s extensive experience as a consultant to the Santa
Gertrudis, Texas Longhorn, Devon and Piedmontese Breeds, was
called upon to expand the Devon breeding program. He served in the
capacity of executive secretary to the Devon Cattle Association
for almost 2 decades. In this capacity he became recognized as a
man unsurpassed in his knowledge of the breed. Dr. Fowler
retired from work at Lakota Ranch and a shift in management
occurred in the mid-90’s with the return to farming of Jeremy Engh. After 8 years in military service, Jeremy made a career
decision to devote himself to farming. He has managed the herd
for the last 10 years .Jeremy made a more concentrated effort to
revive the Devon Breed and has concentrated our efforts on
purebred Devon cattle. |
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| Devon cattle have remained the
major focus of farming at Lakota since. Devon breeders
from around the world get together every 4 years in a
different country to share information about Devon
cattle. Jerry Engh served as event coordinator for the
7th congress held in the US in 2004. Jerry also has had
the unique honor to judge the National Devon show "Estaio
Show" in Brazil in 1986 and again in 2002. He has
admired the quality of their Devons as represented by
his 2002 selection for Grand Champion. In September
2004, Lakota Ranch hosted the first ever Devon embryo
sale in the USA.
In
September, 2006 in Kearney, Nebraska, Lakota Ranch took
Supreme Grand Champion Bull and Heifer in the first
Grassfed Devon show ever in this country. |
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| Lakota
Ranch Today |
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| Lakota Ranch located 70 miles
southwest of Washington, D.C. near Remington, Va. has
been breeding Devon cattle for over 50 years. The
selection of functionally efficient cattle has always
guided the breeding program. Devon cattle are born
raised and finished on grass. Managed and run by Jeremy
Engh, ADCA president from 2001-2006, the herd has been
culled for fertility, longevity, carcass quality and
merit, disposition, and functionality. We are proud of
our reputation and our herd, so please visit us and
share your thoughts. |
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Albion: A bull made for grass farming. Albion,
deceased at the age of 15, is in our estimation the best
muscled Devon bull in the breed. Sire of Lakota’s N16

Lakota’s N16: This yearling bull sired by Albion
is already at work breeding 20 females. His maternal ½
brother is the P116 bull calf on exhibit at Grazefest. N16
is the best of only 7 sons alive from Albion.
Click here for a look
at his registration information!

Lakota’s H48: This homozygous polled Noyl boy
grandson shares dams with Lakotas Ben P42. We have more H48
daughters in our herd than we do from any other bull. H48 is
our top selling semen bull and his calves show why.

Lakota’s Buckeye P60: This is an Albion son,
pictured with 2006 Grand Champion female, Lakotas Q18. P60
is the best rumped Devon bull we have seen, he is a frame
score 4 bull who is as wide as he is deep. He excels in all
carcass traits and will be the primary sire for breeding
used at Lakota and for future embryo flushes.
Click here for a look at
his registration information!

Lakota’s Ben P42: This Rotokawa 688 son is a
product of an embryo flush on an 18 year old cow, Effinghams
Sunny T49, a Tomotley’s Red Sunsent daughter with an
exceptional hair coat, great udder and moderate frame. P42
gives you the flesh and depth of Rotokawa without the heavy
hair. P42 calves are thick, slick coated, and deep. He rates
in the top 5% of the breed for growth and eye muscle. Calves
are -3 lbs bwt, but wean at +45 lbs and are +80 lbs at
yearling weight.
Click here for a look at
his registration information!

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| Devon bulls are in high demand for grass
farming from Lakota. We select bull calves from the top 10% of
our calf crop. The bulls seen here are representative of the
type of bulls we produce, deep bodied, heavily muscled, quick
maturing, quiet animals. These animals have been culled
ruthlessly for 50 years based on productivity, fertility, and
structural soundness, And for 12 years based on carcass merit.
Look through any Devon herd in the country and you will see our
genetics over 90% of the time in the pedigree. |
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| Semen options |
| Lakota Ranch sells semen for $20 a straw on
orders of 15 or more straws. Semen is available from Lakota’s
H48,
Lakota’s Buckeye P60, and Lakota’s Ben P42. **Semen from
Lakota’s Buckeye P60 sells for $30 a straw. |
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| Embryo options |
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| Lakota Ranch has been
working diligently over the past five years to meet the
growing demand for Devon cattle in this country. Replacement
heifers are offered for sale every May and September.
Heifers are sold at weaning or within 30 days for $2500
to $3000. The top end of our cow herd has been selected
as donor cows for our embryo program. Typically animals
in the top 5% using production measures, Ultra-sound
technology, and functional efficiency are selected
for flushing. Mating to the top performing bulls of
the breed has resulted in genetics of exceptional quality that generally
would not be available otherwise. |
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Since 2004 we have selected our top
females for embryo production and bred these top performers to the top
bulls in the breed. The criteria for selection were breed plan numbers,
ultrasound results, production records, and visual appeal. #1 and #2 Embryos
are available for $500.00 and $400.00 respectively.
In January 2008, thirteen cows will be flushed to various Devon
bulls with Merit equal to that of the donor cows, moderate framed bulls
with depth, thickness, and volume for easy grass finishing. The Following
animals have proven flush worthy through merit and production.
Lakotas 819, top Devon breedplan cow in this country. Lakotas
819 will be flushed to Lakotas P60, the best bull around! Lakotas M1, N40,
L84, and N60. The only proven Rotokawa 688 daughters in this country. These
cattle are 6, 7, and 8 years of age and are the best Rotokawa daughters
we have seen. These ladies will be bred to Rotokawa 667 to increase the
prepotency of the Rotokawa genetic and to reduce the heavy hair coat associated
with the Rotokawa line. Lakotas K8, a Dairy Devon daughter with exceptional
growth is next, K8 will be bred to Noyl Boy M78, Old school grass genetics,
Noyl Boy M78 is as proven a Devon bull as there is. We will also cover
Lakotas B28 and M15 with Noyl Boy. Both these girls are top producers of
moderate size with exceptional records. Next we have Mother and Daughter,
Lakotas 29K, mother of three national champions, and her daughter, Lakotas
P29K, both these girls are picture perfect and produce tons. We will flush
them both to Barnstaple Marriot, an Australian bull that has produced amazingly
well. We will breed Lakotas 150, to another Australian Bull, Barnstaple
Hassler, this combination has already produced the top gaining bull calf
in the Lakota Bull Test. This leaves perhaps the best for last, Lakotas
M114, on display in Washington, Pa this year, and Albions E116 the top
producing Albion Daughter. We will flush these girls to Hendersons Buckshot
P97, our recently acquired son of Page road Pete, a Bull with exceptional
muscle and a 17 inch Ribeye. We look forward to watching Buckshot’s
calves hit the ground.
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Donors |
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Lakota’s Premium Grass-Fed Beef
We offer premium grass-fed beef! Click
here to download and
print a copy of our price list. Our pastured Devon beef is
grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free!
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| Donor Sires |
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Rotokawa 688 is the donor sire of embryos available from
G73, K26, and L81. We have daughters of 688 in production.
His progeny are exceptional, transmitting his depth of body,
fertility, and structurally correct udders.
Barnstaple Hassler is the top Devon Bull in the world
based on Breedplan numbers. This powerhouse of a bull has
already produced tremendous calves which are on display at
Lakota Ranch right now.
Lakotas
Buckeye P60 is Incredible - please come see him and his
calves for yourself.
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Lakota Beef
We offer premium grass-fed beef!
Click here to download
and print a copy of our price list. Our pastured Devon beef
is grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free!
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Lakota Ranch is always open to
visitors, Call to schedule an appointment or just come by.
Directions and other information about Lakota Ranch can be found
by
clicking here
or e-mailing enghs@aol.com.
Or Jeremy Engh can be reached at:
Home
540-937-4264
Cell 540-718-1139
Jeremy Engh
Lakota Ranch
9272 Big Horn Road.
Remington, Va. 22734
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| Commercial
Cattle |
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| The commercial Devon cow herd at Lakota
Ranch is predominantly Devon based and an outgrowth of the
crossbreeding program established over 40 years at Effingham
Plantation. A variety of breeds have been used including
Hereford, Angus, Charolais, and Glenview along with performance
testing. However, Devon bulls have been used extensively in the
past 10 years in an effort to enhance the grass genetics and
improve the carcass. |
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| In the year 2002, two
tractor trailer loads of these cross calves were
ultrasound tested, approved for the NELA program and
shipped to New England for grass finishing. In both 2003
and 2004 a minimum of 220 commercial Devon cross steer
calves were contracted to Edgewood Farm in Orange, Va.
for grass finishing. In 2005, Lakota steers were
contracted with Mt. Vernon farm in Sperryville, Va.
2006-2009, all Lakota steers have been contracted to JTX
Cattle Company in Texas. All Lakota steers produced in
the last 6 years have been tested and selected through
ultrasound technology based on |
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| tenderness,
intramuscular fat, rib eye area, and back fat. Quality grade,
feed efficiency, feed conversion, days to finish, and cutability
are also factored in. From 2001-2005, 97% of Lakota steers
contracted met the standards set forth in the contract. 92% of Lakota steers born were contracted. Cows or
bulls producing steers not meeting the standard are culled from
the herd. |
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Devon Bulls on Holstein Heifers Project |
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Lakota Farm, with the help of Dairymen across VA,
has recently reinstituted a practice going back many decades in
other regions of the world. Devon Sires with Dairy Devon
Genetics are being used to breed Holstein heifers.
Devon bulls are generally much quieter than
Holstein sires and much easier to be around in the confines of a
traditional Dairy setup. Devon’s also produce calves that avg.
75lbs on commercial cattle and the higher % of Dairy Devon in
the bulls genetics make the calves birth weight less in most
cases. Holstein producers as well as other beef breed producers
recognize this attribute and take the stress off their heifers.
The stress on the heifers is lessened at calving,
but as important is that the stress on the farmer is lessened by
the crossbred calf whose Devon Genetics give him added foraging
ability and feed conversion saving the producer $$$$$.
$$$$$$$ We
all like the sound of that. Well it gets better, when the
crossbred calves go to market they bring a much better price
because they have the Devon genetics and because they have a
different hair coat. Now I just have to convince the Dairymen
that the incredibly high butterfat content of the Devon mixed
with the foraging and grass conversion, hybrid vigor, and
longevity factor that they need to milk the daughters they
produce.
We plan to follow four groups of heifers on different farms from
conception to calving to weaning and beyond…… we will keep you
up to date. |
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| Border Collies |
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| Any visitor to Lakota Ranch leaves with a
respect and appreciation of the talents of Tack. Tack is the
6-year-old Border collie that makes everyone’s job easier
whether working with cattle or goats. If you come to look at
bulls, Tack will bring them up for your inspection. If an animal
needs to be pushed along in the shoot, Tack will do it. If a
goat needs treatment not only will Tack cut her out from the
flock, but also will catch and hold her without injuring her
while treatment is rendered. Yes, some of this is natural
instinct, but a great deal of this comes from the bond between
dog and trainer. Daily |
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| work begins with a new dog after 6
months of age, but usually closer to a year old. Jeremy Engh
trains each new addition. Once training starts in earnest, each
dog is worked with from 20 to 30 minutes each day. Work starts
with goats and basic commands. Animals are worked as individuals
but also along side other more experienced border collies to
accelerate the learning process. At Lakota Ranch we will train
your working dog on a fee for service basis. As a rule, a
working dog with good basic instincts requires approximately 3
months of daily work to master basic verbal commands. We charge
$15 per day and will accept dogs on a space available service.
We also have both starter dogs and fully trained dogs from
working Border collie parents available on occasion, or we can
take your order for a pup, starter or fully trained dog by Tack.
We promise you won’t be disappointed. Lakota Ranch currently
trains 2-5 outside dogs per year. |
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| Upcoming
Events |
- Lakota Bull Test begins with delivery of participant
bulls on June 1, 2007.
- ADCA Annual Meeting & 2nd Annual Devon Pen Show
- To be held during the Pennsylvania Project Grass
Conference October 24 & 25, 2007 in Meadow Lands, PA.
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| Directions |
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Map This Lakota |
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| Lakota Ranch is located an hour and fifteen
minutes southwest of Washington D.C. Dulles International
airport is just over an hour from the ranch. If driving from the
east; from route 95, take route 17 West at Fredericksburg
approximately 26 miles to Bealton. Turn left on route 28 for 2
miles. Continue south on route 29 for 1 mile and turn right on
route 651. Continue for 4 miles and stay straight on route 621
across the bridge. Turn left at Lakota sign onto Clover Hill
road. The farm is on the left. If driving from the Southwest
from route 81, take route 64 to Charlottesville. Take 29 north
past Culpeper. Turn left on route 651. Continue for 4 miles and
stay straight on route 621 across the bridge. Turn left at
Lakota sign onto Clover Hill road. The farm is on the left. If
driving from the Northwest take route 66 to Haymarket Virginia.
Take route 29 south past Culpeper to Remington. Be careful as
there is a wrong route 651 6 miles before Remington. At
Remington turn right on route 651. Continue for 4 miles and stay
straight on route 621 across the bridge. Turn left at Lakota
sign onto Clover Hill road. The farm is on the left. |
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| Testimonials |
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We have
known Jeremy for about 6 years now. He has always shown us
respect, and treated us as an equal. Several of our herd bulls
have been purchased at Lakota Ranch. We feel he treated us fair
on each purchase. We think of Jeremy as an outstanding young man
that cares deeply for his family and then the Devon Breed. His
hard work and dedication for the Devon cattle should be an
incentive to all Devon breeders, and those that are thinking of
raising Devon.
Lenoir’s Creek Devon
Charlie & Martha Trantham
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| I was working in the north east corner of
the USA evaluating cattle for quality of tenderness,
intramuscular fat and cattle that were created to perform and
finish on grass. I kept finding the small pockets (10-15 head)
of Devon cattle scattered around the country that had every
characteristic I was looking for. After doing a search for
larger herds that I might purchase some of these animals I
discovered that Jerry & Jeremy Engh had the largest herd of
Devon’s in America. I called Jeremy and set a time to visit his
cattle ranch. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ranch
had been in existence for 40+ years and that they had all of the
American Devon history books.
As I looked through the herd of fine Red Devon cattle I was
pleasantly pleased with the body conformation and condition of
the cattle. That condition was all from consuming grass.
Jeremy and I entered into an agreement for flushing some of
his top cows to create other herds. I also purchased a few of
his best cows for my own herd.
The Engh’s have a beautiful farm and fine Devon cattle that
roam the pastures.
I am very thankful the Engh’s made the decision to remain
with the Devon cattle even though they lost their popularity for
a number of years.
Now they are very instrumental in rebuilding the herds in
America with the many fine gene pools they have maintained. |
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Bovine Engineering & Consulting
193 Fry Rd
Rose Bud, AR 72137
fry@alltel.net
(501) 556-5040 Bus. (501) 454-3252 Cell
Gerald Fry
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Evaluation of the Lakota Herd
By Dr. Stewart Fowler |
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| How has the Lakota Devon herd become “a
legend in its own time?” It’s been my privilege to observe the
evolution of this legend from past, present, and future
perspectives.
The Devon’s economic potential captured my attention 56 years
ago while working as a Florida livestock packer buyer. The
genetic potential of Dr. Jerry Engh’s Devon herd was apparent
during my nine years (1972-1981) as Executive Director of the
Devon Cattle Association, Inc. Then, over the next 22 years, I
have followed the herd’s continued genetic and physical
development with professional interest as an animal scientist.
Completing my visualization of the evolution of the legend, I
served as on-farm consultant at Jerry’s Lakota farm in the
mid-1990’s. Dr. Engh’s interest in Devons progressed forward for
almost half a century: actually from 1955 when, as a teenager,
he bought Devons from the late Senator Wayne Morse (a strong
breeder and promoter of Devons for many years). After delay to
complete his medical education and training, Jerry reactivated
his Devon interest in 1971 at Effingham Plantation, Nokesville,
Virginia. Jerry rapidly expanded his Devon herd with purchases
of some of the top Devon cattle in America, including entire
herds (Bendabout Farms in McDonald, Tennessee and the John
Keiffer herd, Montgomery, Louisiana) and champion individuals
through regional and national sales. To supplement this strong
genetic base, Jerry imported Lufton Guardsman 2nd from England
in 1975. Jerry has successfully incorporated and blended the
“best of the best” Devon bloodlines from such premier herds as:
Wymont Ranch, Devonacres Ranch, D. W. Fortenberry’s Devon Wood
Farm, and Fred Wyvill’s (Patuxent) 7-Knolls Farm. Jerry recently
brought in semen from some of the top Devon sires in New
Zealand.
In 1990, Jerry centered his purebred Devon program at Lakota
Farm, Remington, Virginia. He has continued to blend the
genetics of polled and dairy Devons with much success (utilizing
the dairy Devon genetics to boost milk production and thereby
weaning weights). Production data (including brood cow
efficiency, feedlot and carcass performance, and ultrasound
evaluation) are obtained and utilized in the selection and
culling process in combination with bloodline analyses and
visual appraisal for soundness and overall merit. To stay
current on Devon genetics, performance, and demand, Jerry
frequently visits other major Devon-producing countries:
Australia, Brazil, England, and New Zealand. He has judged major
Devon shows in Brazil and Australia and is a major participant
in the Devon World Congress, which is held on a four-year cycle
in England, United States, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand.
Jerry has participated in showing Devons in county, state, and
national shows and has hosted many cattle field days. In my
professional opinion, the Devon herd at Lakota Farm is the
“Cadillac of the Devon world in America.” It has provided the
base for numerous herds and the genetic impulse for the
continued progress in many herds. Fortunately, continuity of
this strong genetic resource is insured by Dr. Engh’s son,
Jeremy, now being affiliated with the further, future evolution
of the Lakota herd.
The Texon Project, crossbreeding with Devons, was introduced
to Lakota Ranch by Dr. Stewart Fowler to create a composite
breed optimum for beef production in the south. Dr. Fowler had
long recognized the outstanding attributes of these 2 old
breeds. The longhorns brought a history of hardiness,
unsurpassed foraging ability, heat tolerance and excellent
natural disease resistance. In addition’ longhorns did not have
carcass quality problems that had been recognized with Brahma
and Brahma cross cattle. Devons provided docility, strong
maternal traits and exceptional carcass merit as Dr. Fowler had
recognized during his work as a packer buyer. The concept was to
utilize the complementary of gene pools to create a breed that
would excel in the southern climate. The breed registry was
maintained by Dr. Fowler. Matings were largely based on his
analysis of progeny and performance data on individual animals.
Both Devon bulls mated to longhorn cows and Longhorn bulls mated
to Devon cows were used in the initial matings to create ½ blood
animals. Although percentages from the 2 contributing breeds was
not set at the outset, the need for uniformity for marketing
purposes soon made it evident that the Devon would need to
contribute 5/8ths to possibly 3/4of the genetic material of the
Texon breed. At present, approximately 50 foundation females
with percentages from ½ to ¾ Devon and ½ to ¼ longhorn are
maintained in the Lakota Ranch herd. Females were sold for the
first time from the Texon project in 2002. The breeding program
has been closed to the introduction of new genetic material to
establish uniformity in the Texon breed. |
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