VDAR
How It All Started
If you look up the word “pioneer” when researching history on the Angus breed, you’ll most likely find Clarence Van Dyke’s picture right there! Nearly 80 years ago, with a background in the dairy business, Clarence was a meticulous record-keeper. This trait led him to become one of the first in America to introduce AI into his Angus herd…and the rest is history!
Over the decades, Clarence and his sons, John, Keith and Lee, built VDAR through hard work, honest ways and great cattle. Van Dyke’s breeding program has followed a different path than the majority of the Angus breed today, with the focus being on an extremely fertile, highly-maternal cowherd. In addition, culling for feet and leg structure as well as for temperament, has helped us to provide a line-bred genetic package that very few others currently offer in an industry that is focused instead on EPD extremes. The ranch’s philosophy of how “the cow looks in person” is much more important than how “the cow looks on paper.” Therefore, VDAR is excited to show you cattle that are bred, developed and grazed by cattlemen, not computers.
Another hallmark of VDAR is shown through the long-standing relationships we’ve developed and deepened throughout the years, providing excellent customer service that goes above and beyond all expectations. Traditions run deep and VDAR’s reputation is one of solid, reliable genetics as well as partnering with cattlemen to produce the highest quality product for the consumer. We are extremely thankful for the faithfulness of our buyers and truly appreciate each relationship.
Currently, Lee Van Dyke, Tim Crabtree and Tom Wulff head up this historic herd in the scenic Gallatin Valley, near beautiful Bozeman, Montana, and they represent VDAR across the country… selling bulls and females from coast to coast through our annual sales. Our Our Cattleman’s Advantage Bull Sale, held the third Thursday each February, offers 150 yearling bulls and a select group of fall yearling bulls.
We invite you to touch base any time to learn more about our cattle program or to stop by and visit! You’re always welcome to come by the ranch near Manhattan for a beautiful stop in your travels, while soaking up the amazing views that have made Southwest Montana a place that remains in the hearts of all who visit this memorable location!
“After buying our first VDAR bulls, we decided to purchase a small group of bred cows and I later realized the economic advantage the Van Dyke cattle would provide my herd through the years. One day while driving through the pastures, I noticed one of the cows getting ready to calve. On my way back, maybe 20 minutes later, I noticed the calf was born, up and nursing. As I drove toward them, the cow called to her calf and the calf pressed its head against her flank and she led it over the hill to protect her baby. It struck me that it was an instinctive trait that was genetic and we wanted more of that in our cow herd. And that was nearly fifty years ago!”
Stark Ickes, Ickes Ranch - Big Horn, MT
