A conversation with everyday Stockmen,
Featuring Terry Ellingson, Ellingson Simmentals of Dahlen, N.D.
About the Stockman.
"I have been raising cattle my whole life. I grew up milking Holsteins and with a registered Shorthorn herd. We sold our Shorthorn herd to my uncle when he bought a ranch in Montana. In 1978, I graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. My wife, Dee Ann, and I were married in 1988. In 1990, we sold our dairy herd, which had the distinction of having the highest production in the state at that time. My dad and I then began our Simmental herd. Dee Ann and I went to graduate school at Virginia Tech in 1990, where I earned a master’s in dairy nutrition and Dee Ann earned a doctorate in accounting. Probably my best move was to not start up the dairy when we came back home, but to concentrate on the farming and raising Simmentals. Dee Ann teaches accounting at the University of North Dakota (UND). We have two children, John, 24, who is at home with us; and Marit, 21, who is a junior at UND majoring in pre-medicine. I have three men who help me on the farm: Bryan Haugen, Dale Mayer, and Richie Sandford. We farm 2,500 acres of spring wheat, barley, pinto beans, canola, soybeans, corn for silage, and alfalfa for the herd. Our Simmental herd is made up of 150 brood cows of both black and red color. We usually sell 70 bull calves in our production sale with 30 open heifers. We utilize artificial insemination and embryo transfer to increase the genetic selection for our customers."
What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?
"I enjoy the challenge of “breeding the next GREAT one” to stay ahead of my customers by providing new and progressive genetics."
What is your least favorite job on the farm?
"I am probably pretty unique; I don’t mind picking rocks or painting. I must say, I enjoy every day with the diversity farming and raising livestock offers. The only problem with being busy is finding time to get everything done!"
What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it?
"The most used tool is a Knight Reel Auggie mixer wagon that is used to feed the cattle. It is 24 years old."
Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?
"We purchased a donor cow from Robert Fitzpatrick, HHS Georgia 802G, and in 18 IVF flushes she has averaged 23 frozen embryos per flush."
Describe your best day.
"My most favorite day is when we haul the pairs out to pasture in the spring; second favorite is our production sale day which is the fourth Friday in January.”
What is your go-to sorting apparatus?
"Probably the sorting stick."
Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?
"I love taking photos of livestock, scenery, and sporting events. I also enjoy singing the national anthem at UND volleyball and basketball games!"
The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?
"Honesty is the best policy; once you develop trust and confidence with your customers life is good."
25th Annual Production Sale:
Friday, January 24, 2025
1:00 PM - At the farm near Dahlen, N.D.
Photos courtesy Terry Ellingson
learn more www.ellingsonsimmentals.com
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