Michigan Angus Operation Honored for Historic Herd

The Historic Angus Herd Award is presented to Angus breeders or immediate families who have been in continuous production of registered Angus cattle for 50 years or more. The American Angus Association® is honored to recognize Jerz Angus Farms, Decatur, Mich., as a Historic Angus Herd.

Craig, Mary & Justin Jerz

The operation began in 1959, when Raymond Jerz and his wife bought two heifers from Herschel Smith. Smith also provided supplied breeding stock for the Jerz cow-calf operation to expand.

Raymond’s son, Craig, has been involved with the farm since the 1980s and says: “The goal of the operation has always been to effectively utilize the grass grown on our sandy hills that are too dry to produce high-yielding row crops.”

Jerz Angus Farms continues to practice spring and fall calving, while finishing steers with family-produced feed. The herd currently consists of 51 registered Angus cattle, 28 calves and four steers. Craig and his son, Justin, manage the herd.

Times have surely changed since the farm began more than 50 years ago. Craig says the most noticeable difference in their operation today is the time it takes to finish a steer, which has diminished to 12-14 months rather than two years. More efficient practices and technology will ensure Jerz Angus Farm is successful for generations to come.

Visit www.angus.org for more information on the Historic Angus Herd Award or to view a list of  awarded members since the program began in 1988.