Focusing on Genetics & the Consumer

Quality, honest and family are the words Austin Klaphake uses to describe their operation in central Minnesota. A&R Red Angus consists of registered Red Angus cattle, commercial cattle for their ET work and a direct-to-consumer meat business that ties into the mix. The Klaphake family started their operation in 2012 and have only continued to grow. Learn more about this operation by reading Austin’s responses below⬇️ 

Do you have other roles in the beef industry outside of cattle production?

No, but I would like to start getting more involved in the beef industry.

What part of your ranch or career in the beef industry are you the proudest of?

Growing our operation from the ground up and watching our genetics improve each year is always a satisfying thing. We put a lot of time and money into our genetics by buying top bulls and females and using AI and ET in our program.

What are you excited about when it comes to the future of the beef industry?

We are excited about the future of more quality beef for the consumer. As a Red Angus breeder, we are excited for the future of the Red Angus breed with USDA allowing the breed to be included in Angus-labeled branded beef programs. This step is in the right direction for Red Angus producers to have more access to market based premiums and more demand for the breed.

What’s the most challenging part about ranching/the beef industry?

I think the most challenging part about the beef industry is the up and down in the cattle market and the high input cost. Producers have to focus on keeping input cost low to be profitable. Another big challenge is the winter/spring weather we can get that makes chores and calving a challenge. 

What’s the most rewarding part about being in the beef industry?

The most rewarding part of the beef industry is happy repeat customers! Receiving that call, text or picture of an animal they purchased from us or their calf crop from the bull they purchased from us is a good feeling. Also, when repeat customers come back for more freezer beef and say they told so and so about it and the customer list keeps growing. It’s nice knowing the hard work pays off and consumers enjoy the quality of beef we raise.

What’s your wish for the future of the industry?

We hope the beef industry stays strong and sustainable for smaller operations so our kids can have the lifestyle of ranching.

Are you hopeful for the future of smaller beef operations too? Let me know in the comments!