Whitcraft
The Whitcraft ranch, located 5 miles southeast of Big Sandy is the hub of all ranch operations. The majority of all shipping, calving, weaning, testing and hay production takes place here. Owner and Vice President, Richard Roth and his wife Sheri and two children Jessica and Ryan along with Todd Amsbaugh, COO of the West Division and his wife Paula and daughter Amber reside at the Whitcraft. Todd and Paula's oldest daughter Jessica is currently attending nursing school at the College of Great Falls. Todd has been with the IX since 1990 and is responsible for all day-to-day operations within the division. Todd also manages the ranch’s equipment software program which is used to track maintenance and expenses.
The Whitcraft is home to cook and head feed truck driver Anna Reeves and her husband Vinnie. Anna makes sure that all the men and women at this end of the ranch are well fed and taken care of. She and Vinnie are active in calving, branding, livestock moves and many other ranch related actvities. The ranch is fortunate to have these good people part of the operation.
Two key components of the operation, hay production and replacement heifer development, take place at the Whitcraft. Over 3,500 tons of hay is put up each year off two center pivots and flood irrigation. Round bales are the bale of choice and work well with Haybuster hay processors. Approximately 2,500 head of livestock are wintered at this location.
Of the nearly 1,300 head of heifer calves we have each year, 600 head are kept as replacements and fed throughout the winter. Each November weaned heifer calves are brought in and sorted phenotypically. The calves selected as replacement heifers are then weighed, BANGS vaccinated and given their second round of immunization shots as well as a parasite pour-on. Heifer calves that do not make replacement heifers (Sale Heifers) are also weighed and given their second round of immunization shots and pour-on. These sale heifers will qualify for NATURAL beef programs. Replacement heifers are divided into two-300 head winter feed groups. These heifers are grown on 17 lbs of hay plus 4 lbs of protein supplement for 120 days. Sale heifers are wintered on 17 lbs of processed hay for 120 days. All livestock receive free-choice salt and CHS brand mineral supplement.
Rangeland in the West Division is a combination of rolling hills and coulees. Grasses found on this part of the ranch include, Kentucky Blue Grass, Green Needle, Needle and Thread, Brome, Wheat Grass, Tufted Hairgrass, Rough Fescue and Crested Wheat.
