A Beef Cattle Legacy | September 2025

By Sarah Hill

Photos courtesy Bader family

The Bader family has been in the cattle business a long time, building their reputation for outstanding animals.

Wisconsin is home to not only the country’s legendary dairy industry, but also sports some outstanding beef cattle. Carrousel Farms, Monroe, Wis., is one of those leading beef operations.

Background

Ronald Bader grew up on an Iowa dairy farm, later moving to Hartford, Wis., in the late 1960s, where Carrousel Farms began. Ronald, along with his wife, Norma, began raising Arabian horses and Hereford cattle.

Ronald had a desire to expand the operation in 1979, bringing Carrousel Farms to Monroe, Wis. With the help of his sons, Randy, Brad, and Troy, Ronald began the journey for Carrousel Farms to develop into the thriving operation it is today.

Along with row crops and dairy cattle, Carrousel Farms has a deep background in beef cattle. In the early 1980s, the farm had transitioned the herd to primarily Simmental cattle. The later ‘80s found Carrousel focusing more on show cattle and adding Angus cattle to the herd.

During the late 1990s, Carrousel further expanded the herd by adding Limousin cattle. The Limousin cattle went on to be very successful in both the show ring and breeding program.

“We’ve been in cattle for a long time,” Brad Bader said. “My dad gets the credit for helping us grow the operation to what it is today.”

Today, the Bader family consisting of Randy and his wife, Sue; Brad and his wife, Mary, along with their sons, Cameron and Travis; Troy and his wife Janel, and daughters Aspen and Alexa, operate 12,000 acres and 600 head of Angus and Angus-Simmental cattle, along with a few Charolais and Herefords.

Randy and Troy specialize in the row crop side, while Brad, along with his two sons, operate the beef cattle operation. Tim Donovan, longtime manager of the beef cattle operation, has provided abundant expertise in herd management for 24 years.

Show Cattle Influence

The Carrousel Farms team selects cattle for their structural integrity, phenotype, longevity, and meat quality. Many of the offspring produced are results of an extensive IVF program. Generally, 100 replacement heifers are kept each year to keep the herd current with the latest genetic trends. The herd strives to produce high quality show steers, registered heifers, and production females.

Show Ring Success

The show circuit is familiar with Carrousel Farms cattle. Their cattle have had great success over the years with many national champion and reserve champion bulls and females, along with many state and national champion steers shown by their customers. Carrousel Farms has hosted a club calf sale for the past 38 years, where cattle have sold to customers in numerous states across the United States and Canada.

Continuing the Legacy

Ronald and Norma Bader established a legacy of excellence at Carrousel Farms, a tradition that has been upheld by Randy, Brad, and Troy, and is poised to continue with the next generation.

Upcoming Sale:

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Online with SConlinesales.com

learn more at www.carrouselfarms.com