History

When it comes to breeding and raising cattle, it all comes down to one key: choice of breed and quality. One of the premiere cattle breeds in the world is the Red Angus. One of the most respected breeders in the industry is Jerry L. Jeffries, who along with his wife Patricia, owns Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. (www.jeffriescattle.com) located near Checotah, Oklahoma. With a breeding program based on Red Angus quality and the needs of the industry, Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. has built a clientele of satisfied customers, large and small, commercial or registered cattlemen.

Jeffries takes great pride in the heritage of the land on which Jeffries Land & Cattle is located. “I grew up right here where I live today.” Originally purchased by his grandfather, Jeffries has grown and expanded the original property and says members of the fifth and sixth generation also live on the ranch. Even though he could take the time to slow down, Jeffries has no intentions of retiring and currently raises 370 head of Red Angus on the ranch. “I’m just having too much fun. I like to meet and work with people.”

In discussing his Red Angus cattle, Jeffries believes it is important to always be looking to improve the genetics of the cattle. “As genetics evolve and types may change, we will continue to place our emphasis on the beef-industry traits that have carried us to success— fertility, soundness, conformation, muscle, and style. We believe in the Red Angus breed and its place in the global beef industry, and work hard to make sure our cattle meet the criteria and characteristics that help feed the world. We have a strict culling process to maintain the high standard of cows that produce the type of bull that we are proud to sell. This is required to satisfy the needs of every step in the production chain.”

Jeffries continues, “We’re always looking for the freshest genetics out there.” Jeffries is a member of the newly formed Legacy Genetics, a group working together to improve genetics with the goal of making Red Angus one of the most valued breeds on the market.

KEEPING ON THE CUTTING EDGE

One of the keys to the success of Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. has been the ability to make changes as the market changes. “We put a high emphasis on phenotype and structural soundness in the Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. breeding programs. As the focus of the industry has shifted to added value from carcass genetics, the Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. herd sires have set the standard for the industry with young sires set to push the bar even higher. Through the years, our sales have been private treaty sales negotiated at the ranch and in the last five years our annual Bull and Female Sale.”

According to Jeffries, several employees have been instrumental in the growth and overall success of Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. Kirk Breed has been Operations Manager for over 25 years. J.C. Andras has been herdsman for over four years and for the past six years, Jeff Taylor has been overseer of all of the part time help and FFA members that come to work at the ranch. “Without these guys, our operation wouldn’t be where it is today. They are hard workers and take pride in what we do here.”

THE ANNUAL AUCTION

Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. is the source for Red Angus seedstock and commercial genetics in the Southeast. Highlight of the year comes the last Friday in September when Jeffries Land & Cattle Co. hold its annual Bull and Female Sale. This year’s sale takes place on Friday, September 25, 2015  with 100 of the finest Red Angus bulls and 50 of the finest Red Angus females to be auctioned off. At the same time, 10-12 Red Angus show heifers will be sold. “Kids that have bought one our heifers have done very well. We like to say, ‘We grow ‘em; you show ‘em!’”

According to Jeffries, the sale continues to grow each year. “We sell bulls all over the United States and Mexico, and our females have been purchased by producers across the country in Canada. We start off on Thursday evening with several ag-related speakers and a prime rib dinner. Then on Friday, we grill up burgers and all the fixings for lunch with the auction starting promptly at 12:30pm.”

In addition to the annual sale, Jeffries also offers private sales for producers who want to come to the ranch and pick out their bulls or heifers. “We have cattle that are not quite ready for the September sale, so when they are ready, we then sell them privately.”

Jeffries is quick to point out the pride that he has for the region of Oklahoma where he resides, and believes in giving back. “We support local FFA chapters any way that we can. They can arrange visits to the ranch and use our cattle to work with their judging teams. We also do the same for the local colleges. We have, also, hosted the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association.” For Jeffries, it truly is about giving back!