Kelly Schaff’s Ideal Angus Cow and the Tools That Create Her

In the cattle business, it’s easy to follow the fads or to veer slowly off course, but for Kelly Schaff, discipline has been his trademark. He gets to know each calf, clips his own bulls and takes many of the pictures seen throughout Schaff Angus Valley’s marketing materials. Maybe that’s in part because he’s particular, but also because it makes him better at his roles of customer consultant and chief breeder.  

“I think when you really like the cattle and know them, you can represent them better, but also you like to look at good cattle. If you're around them every day, it gives you incentive to breed better cattle,” Schaff says.  

This episode covers the ranch and herd history, breeding decisions and how they’ve intentionally built a brand to match. He talks about tools and diversity in the breed, the advantage of competition and how to stay focused.  

 
GUEST:  

Kelly Schaff, Schaff Angus Valley, is a fourth-generation North Dakota rancher who has spent his entire career building and refining the family’s operation with his wife, Martie Jo. Their daughters, Kelsie and Kourtney, make up the fifth generation — with a young granddaughter now starting the sixth.  

 
Schaff was born and raised in the Angus business, taking on responsibility early. He learned breeding and customer service from his grandpa, dad and uncles, and then added his own stamp. In 2001 he and Martie purchased a core group of cows and took the reins as his parents retired. Today they sell Angus cattle worldwide.  

Related Content: 

• Believing in Bonsma
• Giving Back — I am Angus with Kelly Schaff

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