Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Tyler Kester with Kester Herefords from Clearwater Nebraska. Tyler discussed the ranch's origins, which began when his father was encouraged by a local rancher to lease cattle and learn valuable life lessons by raising them. Starting with just 12 Hereford heifers in the late 1980s, the operation has grown significantly. Today, Kester Herefords is a partnership between Tyler, his wife Lindsay, his brother Cody, and his wife Katie. The ranch now manages approximately 200 spring females and 50-60 fall females, with Cody working full-time on the ranch. Their upcoming annual production sale on March 3, 2025, at the Atkinson Livestock Market will feature 60 Hereford bulls, 40 Hereford heifers, and 50 F1 heifers. The Kester breeding program focuses on performance and maternal traits, with an emphasis on creating bulls that can produce calves that outperform black cattle in weight. They prioritize genetics that provide value to commercial cattlemen, with many bulls ranking in the top 1% of the industry for weaning and yearling weights. Tyler highlighted several notable aspects of their sale offering, including bulls from their top donor cows and a diverse selection of genetics. They've even expanded their perspective by traveling to the United Kingdom to study Hereford breeding and understand global cattle markets. The sale will be conducted by auctioneer Corey Curtis, with online bidding available through DV Auction. As an added attraction, they're hosting a preview weekend on February 22nd, where potential buyers can enjoy certified Hereford prime rib and inspect the cattle before the sale. The Kesters pride themselves on their western heritage, small-town values, and commitment to maintaining handshake integrity in their business relationships.

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