CACHE CATTLE COMPANY ARTICLE

Cache Cattle Co., Wellsville, UT

A modest little outfit that's carved out a name for itself.

Cache Cattle Company is located in the beautiful Cache Valley of northern Utah near Logan, offering registered horned and polled Hereford bulls and females by private treaty. Rod Curtis, a third-generation cattleman, and his wife Karen run what they call a "modest little outfit." This "modest little outfit" has carved out a name for itself in the cattle industry, breeding and raising Herefords that are sought out by producers across the country for their rock-solid proven genetics and performance. 

"We bring the first-calf heifers to the homestead, but the rest calve unassisted on the winter range. They are by no means pampered. They're proven cattle, and our buyers know it."


Background...The Curtis family has been in the Hereford business since the 1950s, known then as "Blaine Curtis & Sons."

Current operation...The current Cache Cattle partners are Rod's Rod's father Denny; and Rod's stepmother Janice, and Rod says they were instrumental in helping Rod and Karen obtain some of the superior bloodlines that remain in the herd today. Karen's parents Doc and Ruthie Thain are also involved with Cache Cattle Company.

The importance of genetics...About ten years ago, Rod says that Karen's parents taught him some very important information about genetics and bloodlines. Doc Thain founded the "Exceptional Children's Center," now known as the "Center for Disabled Persons," and has a great deal of experience with genetics. The Curtises embraced Thain's theory that female genetics and bloodlines are one of the most important factors in developing superior cattle.
Rod explains that mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) can only be transmitted to progeny through the cow; no transmission occurs through the paternal line. The Curtises believe that, for this reason, it is extremely important to evaluate the long-term maternal breeding as well as the breeding of the bull being used. Rod says that, following Doc Thain's advice has produced impressive enhancements to their herd.

Show circuit...Cache Cattle Company Herefords are a force to reckon with on the show circuit as well, winning championships at the Nugget in Reno, Nevada; the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado; and several other events. "We don't breed cattle for the show ring," says Rod. "It's just a by-product of our operation, and for us, it's a way to be together as a family, to promote Herefords, and to showcase our cattle."

Fundamentals...Rod says paying attention to the fundamentals is the basis for his success in the cattle business. "If you've never been to Logan, Utah, its cold here, and we get plenty of snow," he says. "Our cows are challenged by the climate conditions continually. The herd stays on winter range 50 miles away by the Great Salt Lake where it is fed a protein source supplement. We bring the first-calf heifers to the homestead, and they calve here, but the rest calve unassisted on the winter range. They are by no means pampered. They're proven cattle, and our buyers know it."

Family...Rod and Karen have a son, Ryan, who, together with his wife Keelie, are raising the next generation of the family. Ryan and Keelie have three daughters: Taylie, 10, who is old enough now to show at some of the junior shows; Shelbie, 6, who intends to show when she is old enough; and Preslie, 2, who is the cheering section for the whole family.

Extended family...Over the years, Rod and Karen have provided their home and family to countless youngsters that have needed it. It's not unusual to find a number of their "kids and extended families" with them on the show circuit, helping get cattle ready for the show ring. "It's just who we are, and we care deeply about them all," says Rod. "Although most of them are grown and out on their own now, they love the show road, and they wouldn't miss helping out." Their extended family of "kids" include Alex, Brad, Tom, Jay, Garrick, Jaime, Shawnee, Colton, Hadley, Cami, Donovan, Kate, Carli, along with many others who became part of the Curtis' lives over the years.
BBQ Cuisine...
Together Rod and Karen own and operate BBQ Cuisine Service, which has cooked and served at the Social and Sale Cattle Display during the Western Nugget National Hereford Show & Sale in Reno for the past two years.

CHB...It comes as no surprise that BBQ Cuisine prepares and serves Certified Hereford Beef (CHB), a program Rod is very enthusiastic about. "CHB is, without a doubt, the most tender, flavorful meat on the market today," he says. "There's something about the quality of Hereford beef. I think the next step for the CHB program is to figure out what makes the product so exceptional, and when that's identified, it will provide a whole new marketing tool."

Hereford revival...Rod says he believes the Hereford breed is once again coming into its own, having overcome and left behind the problems of the past. "It's a new day and age for Herefords, and there's a lot to brag about with the breed," he notes. "The real or perceived issues of the past about udders, structure, and lack of muscle have largely been eliminated, and the industry has built a much more moderate cow without sacrificing performance," he notes. "Herefords bring problem-free do-ability and gain-ability, and the outcross genetics are perfect for the commercial cattleman that wants top quality performance from his cow herd," Rod says.

Sales...In 2012, Cache Cattle Company will, for the first time, offer a select set of its Hereford females at auction in conjunction with Keller Angus on March 3, 2012, at Smithfield Livestock in Smithfield, Utah.
Polled and Horned Hereford bulls and heifers are available by private treaty.
Contact info...
Cache Cattle Company, Rod & Karen Curtis, Logan, Utah; 435-770-0509; rod@relia.net;
Article by: Leesa Zalesky, WESTERN AG REPORTER, Herd Reference Edition, 2011, October 27, 2011, Billings Montana.