Photos and Story By John Howle When he removes the lid from a pressurized drum containing frozen, calf embryos, the liquid nitrogen rolls out in a mysterious fog bringing thoughts of a mad scientist to mind. Wendell Gibbs of Ranburne, certainly isn’t a mad scientist. Instead, he considers himself a happy cattle farmer who happens to own a successful Simmental-Angus beef cattle operation that begins with genetics and embryology and ends with marketing and auction sales. On his property surrounded by acres of high quality grazing located along the gently rolling pastureland on the Alabama/Georgia border, Wendell and his wife, Nan, started Gibbs Farm with five registered Polled Hereford cows they purchased from Wendell’s Dad, Dewey, in 1961, the same year Wendell and Nan wed. In 1972, the first Simmental bull was purchased, and this was the year that Wendell realized how valuable quality genetics were to the cattle business. More Simmental bulls followed, and over the years, the herd makeup evolved into a predominantly Simmental herd. In 1992, the first Angus bull was purchased, and the current production of the black Simmental-Angus Hybrid began. With a goal of producing a hybrid cross of cattle that produces high yields using the most up to date genetic technology, Wendell became a man on a mission with the SimAngus breed of cattle. Their mission statement summarizes the goal. “At Gibbs Farm, hybrids are not the by-product of a purebred breeding program, they are the breeding program.” The genetics of Angus combined with Simmental has been the focus of the Gibbs Farms operation. “We selected the Angus breed because of the marbling and mothering ability and the Simmental because of the muscle, growth, and milk,” says Wendell. Wendell is no stranger to the intricacies of the cattle business. He has served for years in the Alabama BCIA (Beef Cattle Improvement Association) and Alabama Cattleman’s Association. In addition, Wendell served as president of the Alabama Cattleman’s Association. During his year as president, Wendell traveled not only across the state of Alabama but the nation as well learning cutting edge technology for cattle genetics and the intricacies of top quality beef operations. It was during this time of travel that Wendell’s son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Lucretia, sold their business and joined the operation. Doug now serves as the operations manager. Due to the growing demands of the business, Wendell hired Gordon Hodges to serve as the genetic and marketing manager. Doug and Gordon do all the genetic and breeding planning for each breeding season. In addition, Wendell, Doug, and Gordon travel across the country in search of top, genetic breeding stock. Their travels have led them to some unique environments. Last spring, Wendell and Gordon were snowed in for five days in Souix Falls, South Dakota. In addition to taking care of the daily operations of the farm, Doug handles all the artificial insemination. “Doug knows every individual cow and its performance,” says Nan. “That’s quite a job considering we have 450 mama cows on the farm.” “Almost all our animals are produced through artificial insemination, frozen embryos, or AI produced bulls we own,” says Wendell. “Doug is able to do all our AI procedures here at the farm, and we have an embryologist who comes in to flush and store embryos.” Wendell and his family feel that the SimAngus cattle give them the best of both breeds. “People who have bought our cattle have been very pleased with the genetics,” says Wendell. “We do every kind of testing from birth and weaning weights to DNA and ultrasound testing here on the property.” Wendell says he makes use of all statistical information on his cattle at the Gibbs Farm. “We send cattle to feedlots every year and use the carcass information to make sure we’re on track,” says Wendell. “These SimAngus cattle have consistently produced high weaning weights, yearling weights, and good yields and quality grades.” Wendell has spent years of research working towards the goal of producing and marketing their SimAngus cattle. “I’ve been in the cattle business all my life,” says Wendell. “The planning of the business and use of genetics technology for top quality beef is something that took years to perfect.” All three of Wendell’s children showed cattle growing up, and the cattle business has been a part of the family their whole lives. “My son, Doug, is our operations manager, my daughter, Lorie, is a veterinarian, and my youngest daughter, Wendy lives just down the road, so we have plenty of extra help with the grandkids.” Gibbs Farm will be having their second annual bull and replacement heifer sale on November 10 at 11:00 central time at their auction barn on the family farm. In addition to the SimAngus hybrids, purebred Angus and Simmental will be offered. “For years we have sold cattle through private treaty sales,” says Wendell. “We are truly excited to be selling out of our auction barn for the second year in a row.” They will be selling 265 head of cattle this year. “Last year we had buyers from nine states,” says Wendell. “It’s a great feeling to have people call and say that the bulls and cows they have bought have done well.” For more information about the Gibbs Farm bull and replacement heifer sale, call (256) 568-7552 or visit them online at www.gibbsfarms.net for additional contacts.
