Raising Gelbvieh in Colorado

Today we have Roger Olson, a Gelbvieh breeder from Colorado. How did you get started in the Gelbvieh, Roger? 

 

Well, in 1970, my dad bought a group of three-quarter blood Gelbvieh cattle from a gentleman in South Dakota. There was 75 head there. The Gelbvieh breed has always been really, really good for us. We've always just stayed with it. 

 

Why do you think that is? 

 

They check all the boxes, as far as maternal traits, feed gain, their do-ability as far as pastures are concerned, docile disposition, very fertile cattle. We have just a super breed up every year. The cows have just not ever let us down. Even drought years, like we are having this year, just having phenomenal calves. Like I said, they've always treated us very well. They've never disappointed. We have an annual bull sale, pot of gold bull sale, over in Montrose, Colorado, every year, last Friday in February. I have been doing that for 35 years and have just been a successful bull sale and sell feedstock. They've always just been really good for us. 

 

What kind of country is that where you are? Is that good for raising cattle? 

 

It was good at one time. We're being invaded by subdivisions and investment groups and stuff like that, so we're having a hard time as far as finding pasture and feed. It's becoming a challenge. 

 

Your location is Platteville. Where is that? 

 

Fifteen miles south of Greeley, up in the north central. 

 

That was Roger Olson from northeastern Colorado's Mill Iron Lazy V Cattle Company. 

 

That's going to do it for today's Cattleman's Corner.