History
The Wabash herd of registered Herefords here at Blume Ranches was founded in 1941 by John E. Blume. The original purchase consisted of 3 females of Panama Breeding and came from the herd of S.P. Gould of Rosalind. The first calf registered was Wabash Domino in 1942 and he was later sold at Calgary in 1944 for $670.00. John often said, this was the highest priced bull every raised - since he purchased a section of land and had $30.00 left over from the proceeds.
2008 will mark our 47th Annual Production Sale, with the first one held in 1961, the year we had our first Calgary Champion Bull.
No female was sold until 1961, 20 years after the herd was founded.
Nearly all our present cow-herd would trace directly to these original cows.
Over the years, a succession of Real Prince Domino Sires were used. These were followed by two Britisher Bulls. Next we used several sons of the noted WHR Lord Vern 23 form Bar Pipe, and a good Britisher Bull form S.C. Williams.
The Bar Pipe Bulls were followed by their best sib Wabash Commando and his sons. Next came the noted Templeton Bull XTC Standard Wetmore 4B who was in turn responsible for Wabash Extra 23K, a Calgary Champion that founded a whole family of great Herefords. Line One Bulls were added from the Holden and Cooper herds in Montana. These bulls had a very good influence on the maternal qualities of our herd. We continued to use Canadian Sires: one was K Rustandard 84J from Lawrence Kallal. He founded the Gold medal line, presently the top Sire we have used and perhaps the greatest is 226E from Norm Parent. We are using several sons and daughters to form the basis of our present cow-herd. In addition today, B.P. Sandman 108J and several grandsons of Home Builder head the present herd.
A very strict culling program has been in force from the very beginning. Milking-ability, good udders, and fertility have always been of utmost importance. It is absolutely necessary for this herd to perform under range conditions. Nearly all our pastures are native grass and we do not creep-feed calves.
Blume Ranches is a diversified operation with Wheat, Oats, and Canola grown on cultivated land. All our feed is home grown.
We appreciate so much our many repeat customers and can only repeat what we have always said. "We are trying to breed cattle that will breed predictable performance for you."