A conversation with everyday Stockmen,
Featuring Dan Fawcett, Fawcett's Elm Creek Ranch of Ree Heights S.D.
About the Stockman.
"I am a fourth-generation rancher on the family’s ranch, Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch, located in Ree Heights, South Dakota. My wife, Kyla, and I, along with our two kids, Hollis and Ivy, live on the family ranch. Hollis and Ivy are active in junior breed associations and 4-H. We calve around 1,200 head of registered Hereford and Angus, background 1,500 to 2,000 head, market 250 commercial Hereford heifers and Angus bred via AI. We have an annual bull sale selling 100 bulls, and a fall female sale selling show heifer and donor prospects. We have been humbly successful in the show ring winning shows such as the National Western Stock Show, American Royal, Hereford Junior Nationals, Cattlemen’s Congress, and numerous state and regional shows."
What about the beef cattle industry excites you the most?
"The next generation, both cattle and people."
What is your least favorite job on the farm?
"Running the feed wagon."
What is the most used tool on your farm? How old is it?
"This is not really considered a tool but to me it’s learning knowledge and experience from my dad, Keith Fawcett."
What is your go-to sorting apparatus?
"Quad or sorting stick. I never use a flag."
Describe your best day.
"When the entire family is in one place on the ranch working as a team."
Your favorite non-farm activity to do in your free time?
"Coaching baseball."
The most important lesson you’ve learned in this business?
"Taking care of your customers."
Which animal (any species) has left the greatest impact on you?
"I don’t really have one that I can pick, but a few that come to the top of my head are, ECR RO Cash Flow 0245 ET, ECR Who Maker 210 ET, NJW 79Z Z311 Endure 173D ET, ECR Candi 5451 ET, RKK Izzy 161J (AKA, Mindy), and my daughter’s FECR bred and raised PB Hereford steer, Otis."
Upcoming Sales:
Fall Female Sale, October 7, 2023, hosted through SmartAuctions
Annual Production Sale, February 12, 2024
Photos courtesy Fawcett's Elm Creek Ranch
learn more www.fawcettselmcreekranch.com
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