Straight Up | August 2025

A conversation with everyday Stockmen,

Featuring Chad Morrissey, Gutwein Angus of Francesville, Ind.

About the Stockman.

"I am Chad Morrissey from Darlington, Wisconsin, where I live with my wife, Melanie, and two kids, Trey and Madyn. I am the herd manager at Gutwein Angus which has farms located in Francesville, Indiana and Darlington, Wisconsin. We are a purebred Angus operation that specializes in performance driven genetics with a focus on balanced phenotype and EPD projected cattle. I have been raising Angus cattle for 20 years and now assist the Fred Gutwein family with their endeavor to bring superior Angus cattle into the marketplace for breeders around the country."

What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?

"The thing that excites me and drives me the most about the beef industry is the challenge to create the next generation of genetics that have balance of phenotype and EPD projections. It’s important to not single trait select cattle and if there is one thing I could be known for, I would hope it would be the balance and quality I have created."

What is your least favorite job on the farm?

"I would have to say with cattle the best apparatus is always time. If you can plan ahead and get cattle to come with you with grain, I always figure it is better to lead than chase. Nothing good ever happens when you are in a hurry."

What is the most important part of your farming operation?

"I would say the most important part of our farming operation is the crew that I have and rely on every day. I spend a lot of my time traveling and visiting with breeders and overseeing our operations at home, but without the commitment of my crew those efforts would be pointless."

Describe your worst day.

"The worst day on the farm is always a day off the farm. As I travel to sales and do herd visits, there always is excitement on your way there or sharing someone else’s sale day, but it is the travel day home where you can’t wait to see your family that is my least favorite."

Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?

"There have been many great bulls and donors that have left a huge impact on me, but I would have to say the most outstanding cow I’ve ever had the privilege of taking care of was the original 305 donor. She was the mother of the great RB Lady Denver 305 - 453, and many others. I will never forget her stature and presence. She was the type of female that you could throw any type of genetics at and she would always add muscle power and value."

What is your go-to sorting apparatus?

"I would have to say with cattle the best apparatus is always time. If you can plan ahead and get cattle to come with you with grain, I always figure it is better to lead than chase. Nothing good ever happens when you are in a hurry."

Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?

"I would have to say I enjoy a good round of golf with some friends or spending time at a cattle show. I am fortunate to have a job that I have because most things I enjoy outside of family I get to do on a day-to-day basis."

The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?

"The greatest lesson I’ve learned from this business is, it does not always matter how great of a product you can create, unless you have relationships to share it with. I have traveled the country and seen great cows everywhere, but if you don’t get off the farm and build relationships with other breeders, that product will only exist where it was created."

Upcoming Sale:

Saturday, September 6, 2025

At the sale barn in Francesville, Ind.

Photos courtesy Chad Morrissey

learn more www.gutweinangus.com