Our Program

As Vince Lombardi once said “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” This is the genesis of our program. We are in a constant state of improvement. Starting with our company motto “quality from the ground up,” we continuously look to improve our cattle beginning with good feet and udders. A good cow must have maternal strength and eye appeal all of which should be tied together with a balanced set of EPDs and an excellent disposition. It is this “perfect” combination that we are constantly chasing, and in the process have been privileged to have raised some excellent momma cows.

The Angus side of the operation came first. It started with using AI on a set of commercial heifers that led to an interest in developing a purebred seedstock program. Over the years our current donor line up has evolved and the ladies that are now in the batting order began as open heifers and earned their way into the donor program. They represent what we consider a model cow; moderate, feminine with good udder structure and a good foot. The current donor lineup; Whitestone Erica Eileen Y002 (16379070), Limestone Primrose U797 (16346928), Exar Ever Entense 8332 (16033943) and Eastwood 141 Integrity 987 (15292441); all represent what we are looking for in productive momma cows. Our sires, both those we own and those we sample, are bulls that we believe will further our goal and help us chase perfection and hopefully occasionally achieving excellence.

The Herefords started in a different manner with just a small select group of females purchased from Ned and Jan Ward and Boyd Beef Cattle. Our primary donor NJW 03T 44U MARYELLEN 210X (43093953) and our former donor NJW 59T P20 PROGRESS GAL 4W (43000168) really represent everything we would like to see in a solid Hereford cow, particularly in their structure and design. Both have had massive influence in both our Hereford herd and our commercial herd. 4Ws first calf, LHF Rango L115J, was a Durango son who served as our herd sire for several years producing baldies which we have sold to numerous producers. Our purchase of BOYD 3136N PAYWEIGHT 0214 (43134303) added a massive foot and over all muscle to the herd.

We look forward to identifying the next generation of donors as they progress through our program and we work to improve our genetics to our customers benefit.

Phenotype

While EPDs are a wonderful tool to use when it comes to making decisions about our herd, they are exactly that, A tool. We use EPDs to help set parameters to breed to. We also look at Phenotype. Essentially, a cow must be feminine in her make and solid on her feet with a good udder. A bull must look like a bull. He must have a good foot, be full in his quarter, have plenty of capacity and have testicular size. Both should be able to move freely.

Longevity

One of the Goals that we have is to create an animal that with have longevity. An animal with the proper confirmation and production with create longevity in your heard. A female that calves year after year and does not fall apart is only adding value. The same goes for a good bull. We like our bulls to last and see how their genetics stand the test of time.

Efficiency

In today’s day and age we in agriculture strive to do more with less. Whether it is our crops or our cattle we constantly strive to be better. That is why we work on the longevity, phenotype and production of our herd. We want to breed cattle that will continually provide calves that work for you.

Our Story

The “Story” of Locust Hill Farm is one of evolution in the cattle business. This process began in 2007 when Michael Webert and Grandson of the owner Magalen O. Bryant, became manager. What began with 19 commercial head evolved into the operation it is today. Aside from Mrs. Bryant’s Thoroughbred Racing Operation the farm now runs an Angus and Hereford Operation as well as a small grain, hay and freezer beef. The farm operation has grown from the few hundred acres to the 2400 it is today and the herd has steadily increased in quality.

Michael grew up cutting his teeth throwing hay bales during the summer. Michael took over management and focused on making a quality product both in forages and cattle. But it was when he began to experiment with in fluxing AI sires into the commercial herd that the interest in pure bred Angus was solidified. Through the course of research it became evident that the love of the Angus breed was “genetic.” It was soon discovered the Michaels Great Grandfather, Brig. General William Carey Crane of Kingdom Farm kept and extensive herd of Angus cattle. Thus began the evolution. The first purchases were made in 2007 at the Northern Virginia Angus Associations fall sale. Further purchases were made throughout the years. However, in 2011 the operation really began to focus on becoming not just a breeder but a program.

As with many things in the cattle business, things begin to get intertwined. Diversity is away to manage risk. With the genetic defect issues that came about in the Angus breed and the want to truly diversify. Locust Hill began their Hereford program. Why Herefords and not another breed. Rebecca Funkhouser Webert, Michaels wife grew up in the Hereford world and when the two got together the love of the black baldie came to fruition. In fact, Michael and His wife Rebecca have two “baldies” of their own. They too hope their sons continue with the love of agriculture that they share.