In 1993 John and Bonnie Slocombe, lifelong Kansans, purchased six registered Angus females with the goal of developing a high quality seedstock operation.    Today, BJ Angus calves more than 200 cows annually using artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs.  A high percentage of the cattle produced are sons and daughters of females purchased from Gardiner Angus Ranch.

This is the BJ Angus story…

In the early years, genetic selection for establishing a progressive, value-added program was difficult. We questioned where to go, who to trust, and how much to invest. After an exhaustive investigation, we sought trustworthy suppliers who would offer us the opportunity to grow genetically and share their knowledge and expertise. This search led us to purchase foundation genetics from Gardiner Angus Ranch and Fink Beef Genetics.  A rewarding benefit of learning from the Gardiner’s and Fink’s is that they have become our valued friends.

The BJ Angus breeding program is 100% artificial insemination and embryo transfer.  The genetics offered are the result of data based selection of the best female genetics we could identify bred to the very best proven bulls of the breed.  We don’t experiment with unproven sires.  You will recognize the sires we use--- Bon View New Design 1407, GAR Retail Product, CA Future Direction, Rito 6I6, etc.  Mating the best cows of the breed to the best bulls of the breed provides the freshest and most powerful genetics available that add value to our customers cow herds.

Today our herd runs on native Kansas Flint Hills pasture in a rotational grazing system. Packaged forages supplement native grass during winter months on an as-needed basis with supplemental protein offered 60 days prior to calving. Our resident herd and cooperator herds calve in a 45-day window beginning in late December.  Winter/spring calves do not receive creep feed and are weaned from August 15 to September 10.  Fall calves are creeped and weaned from April 25 to May 10.  We develop the heifer calves using brome grass and a grower ration designed for a 2 lb/day gain. Bull calves are developed in a commercial feedyard on a forage-based diet designed for 3.2 lbs gain/day. All cattle are ultrasounded at one year of age. 

Our commitment to developing quality Angus seedstock and customer values is a work in progress.  The BJ selection process uses EPDs, ultrasound, and performance data and continually applies selection pressure to improve economically important traits that will add value to our customers beef production operations.  Through our association with Gardiner Angus Ranch, BJ Angus customers have access to many value-added opportunities.

We realize it takes time to develop loyal and repeat customers and we are extremely gratified that a high percentage of BJ buyers return to purchase seedstock.  The BJ Angus buyer’s guarantee is one of the best in the business.    

We have used our farming and ranching backgrounds to build BJ Angus Genetics.  If we can be of any assistance as you make genetic improvements in your beef production system, please give us a call or come by the ranch. 

John & Bonnie Slocombe