McConnells continue the family business

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."