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John purchased nine bred heifers from neighbor Lorne Kramer. They turned out to be very productive cows with great temperament and longevity. LKC Miss Kramer 15X remained on the farm for 17 years and has over 20 descendants still in the herd. Our first purebred sire was MDY Zorro 1Z, purchased from Claman Charolais in Estevan, SK.
We started showing in 1992 at the insistence of our sons. We started at AG-EX in Brandon, MB and in 1995, attended Agribition for the first time. Over the next 10 years we raised and sold bulls by private treaty. In 2003, remembered in Canada as the 'year of BSE', our cattle industry was basically shut down. John adheres to the adage "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade" and the decision was made to hold our own bull sale on the farm. 'North of the 49th" bull sale was held in the spring of 2004. It was not a huge success but we did sell all of our bulls. Since that first sale we have gone on to bigger and better years.
2003 was also important at Wilgenbusch Charolais for another reason. John won the opportunity to select a free bull at the Keystone Connection in Brandon. He had his choice of a number of champions as voted on by other breeders. He chose a bronze-colored Charolais bull, Campbell's 'Bert" 81N – and red genetics were introduced into the herd. In 2004, we followed this up with the purchase of CRYS 40P "Pierce", a red bull raised by Crystal D Charolais at Balcarres, SK and Supreme Champion of the Regina Bull Sale. In 2006, Lang's Stock Farms, who had developed a small herd of quality red genetics wanted to disperse. We were fortunate enough to acquire their herd – and Wilgenbusch Charolais can now offer both red and white genetics.
Over the last 10 years, we have acquired quality females from various breeders, have purchased the purebred operations of LA Land & Cattle Co. and CSS Charolais, bought semen from industry leaders and done an extensive embryo program. With the addition of sires like RPJ KATZ, CS Junction and Bar J Silverado, we feel we have improved the quality of our own herd and contributed to the quality of Canadian genetics.
Wilgenbusch Charolais is comprised of John & Brenda Wilgenbusch and three sons and their families. Craig and Tricia are active in the day to day operation of the cattle. Colin and Ashlee live on a neighboring farm. Colin has his own truck and is busy in the oilfield hauling oil but is around to lend a hand at haying time and getting ready for the sale. Conrad and Erica are at Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, but always manage to make it home and work a shift or two at the sale. John was a member of the Saskatchewan Charolais board for 10 years, the last two as President. He now is currently on the Canadian Charolais board. The farm is located 2 ½ miles north of Halbrite, SK. Signs are on Highways 39 and 13.Visitors are always welcome! |
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