BEGGER’S Simmental Angus
Begger’s DIAMOND V RANCH 50 YEARS OF PUTTING THE COWMAN FIRST
This year marks the 50th Annual Production sale for Begger’s Diamond V Ranch. As we look back on these 50 years a lot has changed in the genetic makeup of the Simmental breed. We are proud of the advancement we have made. Our focus has always been on improving our customer’s bottom line. Back in 1974 we first became introduced to Simmental. They were red and white, they had a little more performance at calving then was desirable, but we saw a quality that told us to try this new breed. The stars lined up for us, we never had those big birth weight calves. Our base cows were made right to genetically enhance this new breed. We did pursue the red and whites in the beginning, but we were also front runners in black Simmental. Our very first sale had 1 black bull in it, he topped the sale, so from that point on Black Simmental became our passion. We were breeding them when the black genetic base was none existent. We started with a good set of black cows and a sprinkling of red baldies, so solid color was on our side. We were breeding some traditionals but soon realized they were not what our customers wanted or needed. We soon dispersed all the colored cattle and a major focus was put on solid black or red Simmental. We went through the school of hard knocks and discovered what a dilution gene and a recessive gene was learned how to breed black Simmental cattle with the polled gene all the while making strides in the right directions on how to genetically improve the black Simmental. In 2010, we dispersed all the red cows and have had only black Simmental since then. Today our herd is all black with a few black baldies. All are polled and most are homozygous black and polled. We emphasis cow efficiency and do ability our motto is “ The Cowman Comes First”. 50 years is a long time to be in the seed stock business. It took a lot of trial and error to pioneer the black Simmental breed. There were about 15-20 breeders that lead the way and we are proud to say we were one of them. Today it is our pleasure to say we did it. Bill spent 3 6 year terms on the Montana Simmental Association Board and 3 years as President, his son John just finished serving
6 years on that same Board. Bill also was elected to the American Simmental Association Board in 1999 and served 6 years on that Board ending in 2005. It seems like yesterday but it was 20 years ago. Today the Simmental breed is a major contributor to the beef industry. They are the continental breed that was Americanized to fit the criteria the industry was looking for. Today Black Simmental are recognized as the breed of choice to compliment Angus and all the other British breeds and they do it very well. Black Simmental are in high demand by ranchers and in the feeding industry because of their efficiency. The packers love them because they deliver high yielding carcasses that grade very well. Today the Begger’s Diamond V Ranch cowherd is enrolled in the Total Herd Enrollment program, and has been since the beginning. All their cattle are DNA Parentage verified, and genomic tested as well. Begger’s Diamond V Ranch uses EPD’s as a tool to balance their genetics. They believe that cows need to pay their way, they run a no nonsence cowherd. A cow must raise a calf every year. It doesn’t matter if they have the best EPD profile or are the latest genetic focus. If they don’t contribute every year they don’t stay and will visit the inside of a packing plant. Begger’s Diamond V Ranch knows the value of a good cow, she must calve on time, raise a valuable calf, she must be easy to handle with a quiet disposition, have a problem free udder, be easy fleshing, and be able to handle mother natures wrath, no matter the weather hot or cold. They believe cows should be handled just as commercial cattlemen handle their cattle, pampering is not an option. Breeding cattle that contribute to every segment of the industry is a must. On February 4, 2026 they will host their Golden Anniversary Sale, 50 years, where they will offer 160 bulls, 50 will be fall born, 18 month olds and 100 will be yearlings, 130 will be black Simmental and SimAngus, and 20 will be Purebred Angus. They plan on having some give aways and invite everyone to attend, whether you use black Simmental and Angus or not, they would love to see you there, they will serve a steak sandwich and the hospitality will be second to none.
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