The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) recognized 44 Farms, Cameron, Texas, as the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year on July 5 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This national award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the seedstock level.

From a small beginning to becoming the largest registered Angus ranch in Texas, everything 44 Farms does is with the benefit of others in mind. From day one, fourth-generation rancher Bob McClaren wanted to create a seedstock program to help ranchers move beyond commodities and make a living putting food on America’s table.

McClaren researched for the breed that would best serve ranchers and help them deliver a delicious product. He decided on black Angus and the first cow was delivered to Cameron, Texas, in November 2003. Building on that foundational herd, 44 Farms took its first step in becoming one of the most progressive Angus operations in the U.S.

In 2008 the decision was made to feed and finish some cattle that were a byproduct of the registered herd at CRI Feeders in Guymon, Oklahoma. This set of steers graded 65% Prime and the concept of a high-quality, all-natural beef product was born. The idea resulted in the launching of the 44 Steaks program in the spring of 2010. Since then, the program has continued to grow and in 2016 caught the attention of the largest retailer in the world. Today, 44 Farms works with more 1,100 ranchers from 26 states across the U.S. providing cattle for the Prime Pursuits program to deliver beef to approximately 565 Walmart stores throughout the Southeast.

44 Farms wants to serve ranchers and help them thrive by empowering them with the right genetics, data and necessary tools amid the ever-changing challenge of the complex beef industry. Their goals are to provide genetics to their customers, wherever they are regionally, that will help them provide better beef to the supply chain while helping them stay financially sustainable. Besides their passion for the Angus breed, 44 Farms has contributed to several industry and community programs such as their internship program and 44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy. 44 Farms was nominated by the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA). 

“Congratulations to 44 Farms on their well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year Award,” says Arthur Uhl, TSCRA president. “TSCRA takes great pride in having nominated a ranch dedicated to doing things the right way, providing Angus genetics and innovation to producers across the country. 44 Farms is not only driven to be successful in their own operations, but to empower ranchers with the right genetics, data and tools to feed America. We applaud their outstanding work and congratulate them on this remarkable achievement.”

More than 300 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 55th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Calgary, Alberta. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.