Cattle
FORWARD - TO BETTER CATTLE & BETTER BEEF
WHERE WE STARTED: Whitley Ranch began as the fulfillment of a dream for Starr Whitley’s late husband, Ron Whitley. For the past 15 years, Whitley Ranch has produced commercial Brangus cattle. Today, Starr is honoring Ron’s dream by building on his foundation.
WHERE WE’RE GOING: Whitley Ranch is rapidly evolving into an efficiency-based operation. Through the drought of 2021-2022, the ranch made use of high cull cow prices to focus on the most productive cows in the herd. The drought also brought a different perspective to mind, the ranch may not always be able to run as many cows per acre, but it can still seek higher calf crop values in down years. This is the perspective that pushed the ranch to the Akaushi breed.
HALF-BLOOD AKAUSHI GENETICS: The primary herd consists of both spring and fall bred commercial females. These cows have been mated to fullblood Akaushi bulls since the Fall of 2022. While maintenance cost remains the same for the commercial cows, the ranch now has access to stronger markets for the F1 calf crops. Thus, bringing more profitability to the table. Using fullblood herd sires on the commercial cow herd, not only tests these genetics in the real world, but also provides premium markets available year in and out.
PUREBRED AKAUSHI GENETICS: The ranch is building its purebred Akaushi herd by implementing an Embryo Transfer program. Through a strong partnership with Artesian Cattle in Gustine, Texas, Whitley Ranch now has access to some of the leading genetics in the breed. These genetics require the same amount of real-world substance as the Whitley Ranch operation. While the breed is known for sheer carcass quality, Whitley Ranch genetics are required to work for the commercial operation.
WHY AKAUSHI: This breed consistently produces high USDA Quality Grade carcasses for increased profitability. According to the American Akaushi Association, recent carcass data shows Akaushi cattle grade an average of 51.4 percent Prime and 47.4 percent Choice. Additionally, Akaushi cattle are known for their longevity, calving ease, and environmental adaptability.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AKAUSHI: What Is Wagyu and Akaushi Beef? – American Akaushi Association
OUR PUREBRED AKAUSHI GENETICS
ARTESIAN JO4 – MARGIN CALL – AF209877: Whitley Ranch is partnered with Artesian Cattle on Margin Call.
Semen Available through Artesian Cattle and Stored at Elgin Breeding Services. $25.00 per unit
View MARGIN CALL’S Pedigree & EPDs
ARTESIAN JO9 – ARCHIE – AF209874: Archie is our other young herd sire. While semen is not yet available, he will be collected within the next year.
DONOR FEMALES: These donors have remained at the forefront of strong
programs both at the Matador and Artesian herds for years. They are long-lived
females that are incredibly fertile. Whitley Ranch takes a slightly different approach to its fullblood herd in the heavy selection for maternal genetics, using only
the most effective cow families.
MCC 7209Z – AF21759: View This Donor’s Pedigree and EPDs
MCC 7221Z – AF21701: View This Donor’s Pedigree and EPDs
HeartBrand 7247Z – AF20799: View This Donor’s Pedigree and EPDs