U.S. Ranch Tour 2024 – Exploring American Beef Production

In June 2024, SCC led another highly successful tour of U.S. beef ranches, offering a unique opportunity for participants to explore some of the most progressive cattle operations in North America. Thanks to the generous support of Leachman Cattle Company, the tour provided invaluable insights into genetics, breeding, and feed efficiency, while also immersing attendees in the rich culture of American cattle ranching.

The Group

This year’s group consisted of 20 participants, including two representatives from SCC. The lineup was our most diverse yet, with attendees ranging from 18 to 78 years old. Among them were 14 farmers utilising Stabiliser genetics, a journalist, two college lecturers, and a semen salesman, all eager to gain firsthand knowledge from some of the top cattle producers in the United States.

Exploring Four States and 2,500 Miles of Cattle Country

Our action-packed itinerary took us through Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana, covering over 2,500 miles of stunning landscapes and world-class cattle operations. During the trip, we visited eight impressive ranches, each offering a unique perspective on breeding and herd management:

Grubl – Alkali Ranch (South Dakota)
Marc and John Rieger – Rieger Ranch (Montana)
Glen Gay – Broadus (Montana)
Beckton Red Angus (Wyoming)
LU Ranch – DJ Healy (Wyoming)
Sawyers Orr’s Ranch (Wyoming)
Leachman Ranch (Wyoming)
Leachman Headquarters (Colorado)

Six of these ranches were actively utilising Stabiliser genetics, demonstrating the breed’s adaptability and performance. One of the ranches was dedicated to pedigree Red Angus, featuring genetics previously used in an embryo flush program which were destined for the UK. These visits provided participants with valuable takeaways on breeding strategies, herd efficiency, and sustainable beef production.

Inside the U.S. Beef Industry – Feedlots and Data-Driven Breeding

The tour also included visits to two major feedlots, allowing the group to explore large-scale finishing operations and cutting-edge performance data collection:

Five Rivers Cattle Feeders – Kuner Feedlot (Colorado): One of the largest feedlots in the country, capable of housing up to 100,000 cattle.
GKJF Diamond Feeders (Greeley, Colorado): Specialising in 2,500 Stabiliser x dairy cattle, this facility is equipped with 250 Vytelle feed efficiency bins, collecting crucial data to improve genetic selection and cattle performance.

These feedlot visits underscored the importance of feed efficiency, genetic selection, and sustainable finishing strategies, all critical elements in today’s beef industry.

Advanced Breeding Techniques – ORIgen Bull Stud Visit

A key highlight of the trip was a visit to ORIgen Bull Stud in Billings, Montana. This farmer-owned facility had 90 bulls on-site, providing an in-depth look at semen collection, AI advancements, and genetic improvement programs. The group gained valuable insights into how cutting-edge breeding technology is shaping the future of beef cattle genetics.

A Stop at Colorado State University – Learning from the Experts

The tour also included a fascinating stop at Colorado State University, where attendees had the chance to hear from leading industry experts on topics crucial to the beef sector:

Dr. Sara Place, Associate Professor of Feedlot Systems, discussed sustainability within the beef industry and strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of cattle production.
Patrick Doyle, Head of the Animal Sciences Department, gave a tour of the university’s Meats Lab, explaining key findings from the Stabiliser/Akaushi meat study.
Dr. Lilly Edwards-Callaway, an expert in livestock behavior and welfare, shared her knowledge on cattle handling and welfare standards. Dr. Edwards-Callaway completed her Ph.D. under the guidance of the renowned Dr. Temple Grandin, a globally recognised figure in livestock welfare and facility design.

interested in learning more about the speakers we saw?

Listen to Dr. Sarah Place speaking at Hemphill County Beef Conference Canadian, Texas "Is Ranching Really Sustainable and What's All the Carbon Talk About?"

More Than Just Cattle – A True American Experience

While the primary focus of the trip was beef production and genetics, there was also time to experience the best of the American West. Past tours have included rodeo visits, breathtaking national parks, and major tourist attractions, allowing participants to enjoy stunning scenery, cowboy culture, and local hospitality.

The camaraderie among participants was a highlight, as farmers, industry professionals, and academics came together to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build lasting connections.

Looking Ahead – Join Us for the Next U.S. Tour in June 2026!

With the 2024 tour now behind us, we are already planning our next U.S. ranch tour in June 2026! This trip promises to be another incredible opportunity to gain insights into genetics, breeding, and beef production, while also experiencing the landscapes, culture, and traditions of the American cattle industry.

📅 Spaces will be limited to just 18 participants, so register your interest early!

📩 Contact us today to find out more and secure your place on this unforgettable journey.

To register your interest, please fill in the form below. We will be in touch in due course but if you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch via our contact page

What our farmers say…

We are trying to produce beef that meets market specification and make the most profit possible. Using Stabilisers we are achieving our objectives, we have a low cost, low labour cow and good quality finishing cattle that meet the needs of the market.
- Mel and Pete Momber, Hampshire
I’m excited by the prospects the Stabiliser can deliver for us. The proof was there based on scientific research, backed up by a large gene pool and precise management systems. It seemed the perfect breed for our farming system.
- Will Evans, Machynlleth
On weaning in May at 10 mths old the Stabiliser calves were on par with the Blue and Angus calves. These were turned out to grass until early September then housed. This is when I was surprised by the differences between the breeds, the Angus averaged 480kg, the Blues 490kg but the Stabilisers were 530kg.
- Robin Talbot, Laois – Ireland
In 2011 we bought 46 Stabiliser heifers plus 3 bulls and sold our 3 Belgium Blue bulls. The results were clear to see, by the time we pregnancy tested our 100 cows later that year. We went from historically having 15% barren cows to only 3% barren in a 9 week mating period.
- Jeremy Iles, Gloucester
I have found Stabiliser cows to be very forage efficient. Their ability to put weight on in the summer months means I can save on winter feed costs. This has allowed me to keep more cows on the same resources.
- Jono Cole, Cornwall
We have an easy-care system that is as profitable as any other beef enterprise. We benchmark our herd against the AHDB industry figure and we sit comfortably ahead of the top third performers. I believe we are now producing a carcass with the conformation and eating quality consistency that the market wants.
- Dan Burling, Cambridgeshire
Docility, feed efficiency tested, easy calving, hybrid vigour, fertility, growth AND carcass traits from highly maternal cattle, what’s not like?
- Robin Norrie, Fife
We aim to get most out of grass as possible. The hardy nature of the cattle seems to suit this system very well. Hardly any assistance is required during calving, combined with the excellent calf vigour produce healthy and strong calves which further reduces labour costs.
- Llion and Sian Jones, Conwy
We’re over 10 years into our Stabiliser journey, we’re reaping the rewards. Moving to the Stabiliser has been a game changer for efficiency and job satisfaction, allowing us to increase cow numbers on the same area and finishing bulls averaging over 380kgs at 13 months. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner!
- Peter and Jackie Storrow, Pembrokeshire
Stabiliser cattle are a specialised suckler beef breed with the added bonus of hybrid vigour. The cattle are multi-trait performance recorded to produce EBV’s, this has a huge positive economical effect on our business. All of this is crucial for us to have a financially improving suckler herd on the farm.
- Harri Parri, Llyn Peninsula
We chose the Stabiliser breed for their docility and easy calving traits, but with the added benefit of turning grass into meat. We soon saw all of these traits were true. Our first home bred steers were finished off grass at an average age of 19 months.
- Dyfed Roberts, Anglesey
Despite our rainfall, we outwinter our cows on kale, the stabiliser cow will lay down excess fat, and successfully rear her calf. During the winter considerable cost savings are made. By changing to Stabiliser cattle I keep approximately 50% more cows as they only weigh 650Kgs, which meant more beef being produced.
- Matthew Cooke, North Devon
We started using Stabiliser bulls 20 years ago. The fertility of the breed has enabled us to calve our own heifers at 24 months and reduce our calving period to nine weeks. This together with their good temperament has encouraged us to increase cow numbers. Consequently, the farm is now producing a lot more kilos of beef.
- Edward and Ellis Griffith, Pwllheli
Minimal labour is required at calving time, with easy calving cows and calves up and suckling in no time at all. This gave us the ability to increase our cow numbers with no extra labour. The growth rate of Stabiliser cattle is exceptional, producing high weaning weights whilst converting feed efficiently.
- John and Ianto Pari, Gwynedd
We started using stabiliser genetics in 2016, we have not looked back since, they exceeded all our expectations. Changing to stabilisers has enabled us to calve heifers at 2years old with no problems, cows wean a higher percentage of their body weight, we have increased cow numbers without any need for extra labour.
- Carys Jones, Camarthenshire