Loonan Stock Farms
Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, along with Judy Loonan and Rick Thompson with Loonan Stock Farms. The Loonan family’s cattle operation began in 1864 with commercial cattle production, and Judy’s father, Dick Lowen, started the seed stock business 50 years ago with a vision of helping commercial producers maximize their profits. Judy explained how she transitioned from education to full-time cattle farming after college, joining her parents in developing the seed stock operation. In 1989, they added Red Angus to their existing Simmental cattle line. Rick Thompson, who has been with the farm for 31 years, has played a crucial role in bull selection and farm management, especially after Dick Lowen’s passing in 2011. The upcoming sale will feature 100 bulls, with approximately 60 Red Angus and the remainder Simmental and hybrid bulls. The farm focuses on breeding cattle with specific genetic traits, emphasizing cavity size, rapid growth, marbling, and ribeye area. They meticulously match bull EPDs to ensure predictable breeding outcomes and minimize calving difficulties. Loonan Stock Farms bulls are typically six to six-and-a-half frame size, with an emphasis on good feet and legs, high weaning and yearling weights, and superior marbling. The sale will use a unique private treaty auction format, allowing buyers to select bulls in a structured bidding process. A notable highlight is the recent development in the Red Angus market, with new packing plants offering premiums for Red Angus cattle similar to those traditionally given to Black Angus, which could provide additional value for producers. The sale will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 1 PM, with lunch served beforehand and bulls available for viewing. The farm offers comprehensive information in their catalog, including ultrasound data, sibling performance, and detailed genetic information to help commercial producers make informed purchasing decisions.
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