After taking over
the family business,
started in
the 1950s by Royce
McConnell's grandfather,
young ranching
couple Royce and Lisa
McConnell and their
extended family remain
focused on producing
Angus cattle.
Additionally, the
owners and operators
of McConnell Angus
of Dix focus on raising
their families, growing
feed, and holding cattle
sales.
"We've been involved
in the cattle industry
all of our lives," said
Royce. "So that's somewhere
over 60 years of
combined experience."
They raise herd sires
and breeding stock,
running approximately
400 to 425 fall calving
cows annually on their
ranch.
"The most enjoyable part of the business is seeing our cattle work
for our customers by helping them to be successful as well," Royce
said.
The only complaint the couple touted was at times fighting the
elements of weather.
The McConnells have been married for 12 years and have four
children who are very involved in the family ranching business in
nearly every aspect.
"They're involved in most aspects of the job, from getting the tags
ready for the baby calves right down to recording the radio advertisement
for our bull sale. They love the ranch lifestyle as much as
we do," Lisa said. "They are absolutely involved."
The McConnells held a fall female sale in December of 2014, and
sold more than 350 head, including 270 bred heifers, calving Feb.
1 through April 1; and registered and commercial black Angus and
black baldies.
The passion they have for the business can be seen in the success
of their family, their ranch and their sales.
"We raise cattle because we have a passion for producing seed
stock for today's cattlemen in today's environment," Royce said. "We
also raise our own feed for the cattle, in the way of hay, alfalfa and
corn silage."