Actis Ranch

How large is your operation: 20 head

 

Breeds raised and bloodlines emphasized: Black Angus. Donor females are Rita OM26, Bonnie 670, and Rita 4H23. OM26 was a daughter of Rita 5H11, owned by Wehrman Angus in Virginia, one of their most famous cows. Bonnie 670 was the top seller at the Fink’s Beef Genetics Female Sale in 1991. 4H23 was bred by Wehrman and is a daughter of the 959 bull. Featured sires are 6807, Durabull, Bando 155 and Rito 9J9.
 

Operation and local history: Holding Angus is the last working ranch in Lafayette, and one of only a few within 25 miles of San Francisco. The Holding family is the third owner since the original La Boca del Canada del Pinole land grant. 

Climate and Topography: Steep hills, native grass, hot summers. Located on the eastern side of the coastal foothills and get moderate rainfall.

Operations and management accomplishments: The Holding Angus bull HAR Hercules C196 was a past Reserve Champion at the Cal Poly Bull Test. His full brother HAR C401 is on the test this year. They are a regular consignor to California Angus Days and California Angus Association Bull Sale.

Marketing outlets:California Angus Association and Cow Palace

Additional Information: Holding Angus is almost entirely based on embryo transfer, largely using the donor cows mentioned above. One of their donors, OM26, was sold to Vintage Angus where she was a top donor. She was sold as a donor to Davis on the Highlands in 2001.

 

How many years have you participated in the Cal Poly Bull Test: Since 2011.