Celebrating a Legacy, 150 Years of Angus in the US
Anne Lampe, Kansas Angus Association
Angus enthusiasts came together on May 20, 2023, to celebrate a legacy that started 150 years ago with a dream and four Angus bulls on the Kansas prairie.
Over 140 Angus breeders and local historians gathered at the Kansas Angus Association hosted Celebration & Field Day Commemorating 150 Years of Angus in the United States at the Grant Monument and Cemetery in Victoria, Kansas on the same prairie that George Grant and the first Angus came to in May of 1873.
On the cool spring morning field day guests were greeted at registration by Miss Kansas Angus Addie Haverkamp and Angus Ambassador Pariss Marsh and received a commemorative picnic blanket sponsored by PlainJans, Scott City, KS. From there guests were invited to network with each other while viewing the display cattle by Bar S Ranch, Bill & Donna Conley and Lazy H Ranch -Kansas. Angus memorabilia was offered during a silent auction and commemorative mugs were for sale. New updated signage at the monument sponsored by the American Angus Association was unveiled.
The sound of bagpipes signaled participants to move toward the Grant Monument as Haxton Hoffman, a 10-year-old bagpiper and rancher, Thedford, Nebraska played. The program started with a welcome from Victoria Mayor John Shulte and an invocation by Reverand Jim Moster, Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Cathedral of the Plains. Lunch featured Certified Angus Beef® smoked brisket, a welcome from Kansas Angus Association (KAA) President Darin Huck, DVM and a selection of bagpipe music.
A dynamic group of speakers featured a presentation on the first Angus Bulls journey to Victoria and beyond by Kurt Schaff, American Angus Hall of Fame; followed by a presentation by Kara Lee, Director of Producer Engagement, Certified Angus Beef, LLC. Rick Pfortmiller, Neogen shared information on the evolution of the beef business in Kansas. Kelli Retalik Riley, President of Angus Genetics, Inc., American Angus Association rounded out the educational sessions.
Ron Legleiter, owner of the historic George Grant Villa shared the history of the villa and invited all to visit and tour the historic site later in the day.
A live auction of the #1 commemorative cowboy hat “The Grant” handcrafted by Hamblen Hats, Ault, Colorado was held Jerry Theis was the high bidder. Proceeds of the sale of the #1 Grant were donated to the KAA by Hamblen. A limited number of these black Beaver Belly Flying H 200 hats that feature a silk-screened lining of the iconic “First Angus in the US is Launched” painting by Angus artist Frank C. Murphy and a numbered inner band can be purchased directly from Hamblen Hats, Travis Hamblen (970) 481-6989. 10% of each sale goes to the KAA.
Miss American Angus Kelsey Theis, Leavenworth presented the re-dedication of the Grant Monument. A wreath laying and more bagpipe music ended the day of celebration and comradery.
Thank you Sponsors:
Certified Angus Beef, LLC, High Plains Farm Credit; NEOGEN, Lundgren Angus Ranch, Gove, Ks; PlainJans, Scott City, Ks; Ficken Angus Farms, Bison, KS; Hedgewood Prairie, Enterprise, KS; Nemaha Valley Cattle Co, Bern, KS; American Angus Hall of Fame, Smithville, MO; Lyons Ranch, LLC, Manhattan, KS; City of Victoria; American Angus Association.
Scroll down for photos and more.
Info on purchasing commemorative mugs and THE GRANT cowboy hat- click here.
Anne Lampe, Kansas Angus Association
Angus enthusiasts came together on May 20, 2023, to celebrate a legacy that started 150 years ago with a dream and four Angus bulls on the Kansas prairie.
Over 140 Angus breeders and local historians gathered at the Kansas Angus Association hosted Celebration & Field Day Commemorating 150 Years of Angus in the United States at the Grant Monument and Cemetery in Victoria, Kansas on the same prairie that George Grant and the first Angus came to in May of 1873.
On the cool spring morning field day guests were greeted at registration by Miss Kansas Angus Addie Haverkamp and Angus Ambassador Pariss Marsh and received a commemorative picnic blanket sponsored by PlainJans, Scott City, KS. From there guests were invited to network with each other while viewing the display cattle by Bar S Ranch, Bill & Donna Conley and Lazy H Ranch -Kansas. Angus memorabilia was offered during a silent auction and commemorative mugs were for sale. New updated signage at the monument sponsored by the American Angus Association was unveiled.
The sound of bagpipes signaled participants to move toward the Grant Monument as Haxton Hoffman, a 10-year-old bagpiper and rancher, Thedford, Nebraska played. The program started with a welcome from Victoria Mayor John Shulte and an invocation by Reverand Jim Moster, Basilica of Saint Fidelis, Cathedral of the Plains. Lunch featured Certified Angus Beef® smoked brisket, a welcome from Kansas Angus Association (KAA) President Darin Huck, DVM and a selection of bagpipe music.
A dynamic group of speakers featured a presentation on the first Angus Bulls journey to Victoria and beyond by Kurt Schaff, American Angus Hall of Fame; followed by a presentation by Kara Lee, Director of Producer Engagement, Certified Angus Beef, LLC. Rick Pfortmiller, Neogen shared information on the evolution of the beef business in Kansas. Kelli Retalik Riley, President of Angus Genetics, Inc., American Angus Association rounded out the educational sessions.
Ron Legleiter, owner of the historic George Grant Villa shared the history of the villa and invited all to visit and tour the historic site later in the day.
A live auction of the #1 commemorative cowboy hat “The Grant” handcrafted by Hamblen Hats, Ault, Colorado was held Jerry Theis was the high bidder. Proceeds of the sale of the #1 Grant were donated to the KAA by Hamblen. A limited number of these black Beaver Belly Flying H 200 hats that feature a silk-screened lining of the iconic “First Angus in the US is Launched” painting by Angus artist Frank C. Murphy and a numbered inner band can be purchased directly from Hamblen Hats, Travis Hamblen (970) 481-6989. 10% of each sale goes to the KAA.
Miss American Angus Kelsey Theis, Leavenworth presented the re-dedication of the Grant Monument. A wreath laying and more bagpipe music ended the day of celebration and comradery.
Thank you Sponsors:
Certified Angus Beef, LLC, High Plains Farm Credit; NEOGEN, Lundgren Angus Ranch, Gove, Ks; PlainJans, Scott City, Ks; Ficken Angus Farms, Bison, KS; Hedgewood Prairie, Enterprise, KS; Nemaha Valley Cattle Co, Bern, KS; American Angus Hall of Fame, Smithville, MO; Lyons Ranch, LLC, Manhattan, KS; City of Victoria; American Angus Association.
Scroll down for photos and more.
Info on purchasing commemorative mugs and THE GRANT cowboy hat- click here.
Schedule of Events
Celebration & Field Day
May 20, 2023- 11 am to 3 pm
George Grant Monument ( 1st Street & Angus Drive) Directions: I-70 exit 168. Drive south several miles until the road ends, then turn left on Old Hwy 40. Make the first right onto Main St. then quickly turn left onto 1st St. Drive until it ends at Grant Cemetery.
Victoria, KS
Schedule of Events* (tentative)
11 am- Begin Arrival, Registration, View Cattle Displays, Silent Auction Opens
11:45 am Welcome, Invocation, Introductions
2:30 pm- Wreath laying and Re-dedication of the George Grant Monument
Throughout the event- View Cattle, Networking, Silent Auction, Kids Activities until 3 pm.
3:15 to 4:30 pm- Visit Grant Villa -Opportunity to visit &view the George Grant Villa. The Villa is a private residence, drive thru the property, stop and take photos. Current owners are Ron & Susan (Baier)Legleiter. . Mr. Legleiter will attend the Celebration and will be at the Villa to visit with you. The Villa is just a short drive from the Monument site. Scroll down for Villa photos and info.
American Angus Association News Release 3/28/23
Celebration & Field Day
May 20, 2023- 11 am to 3 pm
George Grant Monument ( 1st Street & Angus Drive) Directions: I-70 exit 168. Drive south several miles until the road ends, then turn left on Old Hwy 40. Make the first right onto Main St. then quickly turn left onto 1st St. Drive until it ends at Grant Cemetery.
Victoria, KS
Schedule of Events* (tentative)
11 am- Begin Arrival, Registration, View Cattle Displays, Silent Auction Opens
11:45 am Welcome, Invocation, Introductions
- 12 pm Lunch featuring Certified Angus Beef Smoked Brisket
- 1st Angus Bulls Journey to Victoria & Beyond- Kurt Schaff
- Certified Angus Beef Brand-Kara Lee
- Evolution of the Beef Business in Ks- Rick Pfortmiller, NEOGEN
- Kelli Retallick- Riley, American Angus Association
2:30 pm- Wreath laying and Re-dedication of the George Grant Monument
Throughout the event- View Cattle, Networking, Silent Auction, Kids Activities until 3 pm.
3:15 to 4:30 pm- Visit Grant Villa -Opportunity to visit &view the George Grant Villa. The Villa is a private residence, drive thru the property, stop and take photos. Current owners are Ron & Susan (Baier)Legleiter. . Mr. Legleiter will attend the Celebration and will be at the Villa to visit with you. The Villa is just a short drive from the Monument site. Scroll down for Villa photos and info.
American Angus Association News Release 3/28/23
Haxton Hoffman,
​Hoffman Ranch, Thedford, NE.
Bagpiper
The Kansas Angus Association welcomes Haxton Hoffman
This young bagpiper is twelve years old and from Thedford, Nebraska. Haxton is the seventh generation to be raised on a cattle ranch.
He and his family are premier Hereford and Angus Breeders and respect the value of family, just as we do. He is actively involved in both the Hereford and Charolais Junior Associations as well as 4-H. Haxton has worked hard at pursuing his dream of becoming a bagpiper since preschool. This past year he is finally able and willing to present his gift to the world as the bagpipes are one of the hardest instruments to learn.
The Hoffman family is proud of the dedication and commitment Haxton has put into following his passion are truly honored that the Kansas Angus Association has provided Haxton an opportunity to play the instrument that he loves.
This young bagpiper is twelve years old and from Thedford, Nebraska. Haxton is the seventh generation to be raised on a cattle ranch.
He and his family are premier Hereford and Angus Breeders and respect the value of family, just as we do. He is actively involved in both the Hereford and Charolais Junior Associations as well as 4-H. Haxton has worked hard at pursuing his dream of becoming a bagpiper since preschool. This past year he is finally able and willing to present his gift to the world as the bagpipes are one of the hardest instruments to learn.
The Hoffman family is proud of the dedication and commitment Haxton has put into following his passion are truly honored that the Kansas Angus Association has provided Haxton an opportunity to play the instrument that he loves.
George Grant Villa, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Villa is a private residence but is available to view from the outside, drive thru the property, stop and take photos. Walk the ground that George Grant and the first Angus in the US walked 150 years ago. Current owners are Ron & Susan (Baier) Legleiter. Location: 2680 Grants Villa Rd, Victoria, KS.
The Villa is a private residence but is available to view from the outside, drive thru the property, stop and take photos. Walk the ground that George Grant and the first Angus in the US walked 150 years ago. Current owners are Ron & Susan (Baier) Legleiter. Location: 2680 Grants Villa Rd, Victoria, KS.
A Brief History- 1st Angus arrive in the US & KS
Victoria, Kansas
In 1871, thousands of acres of vast prairie land near Hays, Kansas were purchased from the Kansas and Pacific Railroad by George Grant, a far-sighted native of Banffshire . Grant’s goal was to start a colony of Britishers in in settlement he named Victoria and most of all he began plans to import the first Angus bulls from their native Scotland to the United States.
First Angus Arrive in the US
In early April of 1873 the steamship Alabama left Glasgow laden with the first settlers of Victoria, supplies, sheep, horses AND four Angus bulls .The steamship along with its cargo first landed in New Orleans, the Angus bulls were loaded onto a barge for their journey up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. The bulls made the final leg of the journey aboard a train arriving in Victoria, Kansas on May 17, 1873.
These four Angus bulls, probably from the herd of George Brown of Westertown, Fochabers, Scotland, first crossed with native Longhorn cattle made a lasting impression on the U.S. cattle industry.
In the fall of 1873 ,two of the George Grant bulls were exhibited at the Kansas City (Missouri) Livestock Exposition, some considered them "freaks" because of their polled heads and solid black color.
Grant, a forward thinker, crossed the bulls with native Texas longhorn cows, producing many hornless black calves that survived well on the winter range. The Angus crosses wintered better and weighed more the next spring, the first demonstration of the breed's value in their new homeland.
The first herds of Angus beef cattle in America were built by purchasing stock directly from Scotland. Twelve hundred cattle alone were imported, mostly to the Midwest, in a period of explosive growth between 1878 and 1883. Over the next quarter of a century these early owners, in turn, helped start other herds by breeding, showing, and selling their registered stock.
_information adapted from A History of the Angus Breed, American Angus Association ©1973.
Victoria, Kansas
In 1871, thousands of acres of vast prairie land near Hays, Kansas were purchased from the Kansas and Pacific Railroad by George Grant, a far-sighted native of Banffshire . Grant’s goal was to start a colony of Britishers in in settlement he named Victoria and most of all he began plans to import the first Angus bulls from their native Scotland to the United States.
First Angus Arrive in the US
In early April of 1873 the steamship Alabama left Glasgow laden with the first settlers of Victoria, supplies, sheep, horses AND four Angus bulls .The steamship along with its cargo first landed in New Orleans, the Angus bulls were loaded onto a barge for their journey up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. The bulls made the final leg of the journey aboard a train arriving in Victoria, Kansas on May 17, 1873.
These four Angus bulls, probably from the herd of George Brown of Westertown, Fochabers, Scotland, first crossed with native Longhorn cattle made a lasting impression on the U.S. cattle industry.
In the fall of 1873 ,two of the George Grant bulls were exhibited at the Kansas City (Missouri) Livestock Exposition, some considered them "freaks" because of their polled heads and solid black color.
Grant, a forward thinker, crossed the bulls with native Texas longhorn cows, producing many hornless black calves that survived well on the winter range. The Angus crosses wintered better and weighed more the next spring, the first demonstration of the breed's value in their new homeland.
The first herds of Angus beef cattle in America were built by purchasing stock directly from Scotland. Twelve hundred cattle alone were imported, mostly to the Midwest, in a period of explosive growth between 1878 and 1883. Over the next quarter of a century these early owners, in turn, helped start other herds by breeding, showing, and selling their registered stock.
_information adapted from A History of the Angus Breed, American Angus Association ©1973.
