HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully 

GUESTS: Mick and Ross Varilek

Varilek Angus Ranch was Angus when Angus wasn’t the norm.  After a rough dehorning experience, Elvern Varilek turned to the breed in the 1940s, and the family has never looked back. Mick Varilek returned to the ranch after graduating from South Dakota State University, with his new bride, Lynn, and they raised three children alongside the Angus cattle. Now their son Ross and his family have done the same. They are gearing up to host their 74th annual Angus production sale this spring, but for all the heritage their southeast South Dakota ranch holds, it’s also a place of innovation. The Varileks have embraced new technologies like DNA testing, ultrasound, and video sales to improve their herd and reach more customers. Listen to this episode to find out why they do what they do, how their involvement in the local rodeo scene has helped shape their business and their thoughts on the future.

GUESTS:

Mick Varilek is a lifelong Angus breeder and rancher from Geddes, S.D. Varilek Angus consists of 500 registered Angus females, 4,000 acres of native pasture and 1,000 acres of grass hay, irrigated alfalfa and cropland. The ranch markets 175 registered Angus bulls and 30 registered females to commercial and seedstock producers each February. His son Ross returned after graduating from South Dakota State University, and he and his wife are raising their family on the ranch. 

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