Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Jake Reed with Bar J Ranch to discuss the Bar J Ranch 50th Anniversary Elite Female Sale & Cow Herd Dispersion held on November 29, 2025, at the ranch in Brooten, Minnesota. 

Situated in Brewton, Minnesota, Bar J Ranch is a family-owned operation managed by the father-son team John and Jake Reed, specializing in Angus cattle. Over nearly fifty years, the Reeds have built a legacy around conservation, dedicated management, and the pursuit of high-quality, profitable genetics.

Jake shares insights into the ranch’s evolution, noting that the annual bull sale began roughly a decade ago and has gained significant traction. He emphasizes a philosophy rooted in balancing maternal qualities and carcass performance, with a particular focus on cows' resilience, foot and udder quality, and adaptability to forage-based diets. The cattle have been selectively bred for functional traits, performance, and longevity, resulting in herds that excel on both phenotype and production metrics.

The upcoming sale is described as a unique opportunity, featuring 31 bred heifers emphasizing elite maternal genetics and over 100 bred cows, all carefully selected for their productivity and soundness. Jake highlights outstanding genetics from bulls such as SAV Magnum, Keneally Commerce, and their in-house sire Bar J Bowman. He further details the timing of calving and the rigorous culling process that ensures only top-end cows are offered to the public.

Additional discussion covers auction logistics: the event will be hosted at the Bar J Ranch with video auction options available, facilitating broader participation. Jake underscores the comprehensive health and vaccination protocols in place and encourages prospective buyers—especially new or young breeders—to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire proven, resilient cattle that reflect decades of successful Angus stewardship.

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