REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- DTN's View From the Range series is doing something special in its third year: Instead of following one family, DTN will follow two and this time around it includes cattle ranches from two countries.

On Jan. 16, we introduced the first family: Tristan and Shaylyn Stark and their family from Baker, Montana. (See https://www.dtnpf.com/…)

This week, we introduce the second of the two ranching families we will feature: the Cross family who operate Cross Cattle Company in Okotoks, Alberta, in Canada.

Through the year we will follow all aspects of this cattle operation. This will include: calving large groups of cows; bull selection for herd improvement; nutrition during challenging weather; as well as pasture and water management.

The ranch is run by brothers Austin and Malcolm Cross and is located at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in southwestern Alberta. Their family has been on the land for more than 100 years with the brothers being the fourth generation to run cattle there.

Their ancestors have had Herefords, shorthorns and Galloways, but the Cross family switched to Angus 40 years ago for the breed's proven efficiency, adaptability and consistency in carcass quality. They look for cattle with both good phenotype and high performance when selecting replacement heifers and bulls.

The Crosses run a large commercial herd, yet they value the continued carcass improvement they get through using registered Angus bulls. Their goal is to select genetics to improve their maternal traits, while continuing to produce more calves that qualify for the prime grade and Certified Angus Beef.

"Our main selector for bulls is EPDs (expected progeny differences). Appearance matters, but not as much as producing better calves," Austin said. "Good data helps us weed out weaker bulls and steadily improve the herd."

Grass and water are two key factors in raising cattle in this area of Canada. Deep-rooted native prairie provides nutritious grazing for their cows. Even with the 10- to 15-foot roots, they have to deal with the challenge of drought and how to manage the grasses to be able to have enough forage for their cows. The Crosses use rotational grazing and rest periods for forage management, yet they will provide extra feed during the tough winter months to help cows keep good body condition.

The Cross family has survived several generations on their ranch through harsh winters, severe drought and change in genetic trends. The brothers both have young families that they hope will continue the family's ranching legacy into the future.

As one of the families in DTN's View From the Range series, we will show how they manage a large commercial cow herd and plan for their family's future in agriculture in Alberta.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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